NOTE: The Test Kitchen has now closed.
When someone feeds you, it’s only polite to give a little feedback.
And at Test Kitchen, they’re taking that idea to an extreme. The 12-month popup comes to us from Michelin-starred chef Adam Simmonds, and has a very simple idea behind it: after each meal, diners are invited to fill out a small form detailing exactly what they enjoyed, what flavour combos they liked, and what they think might be improved. From that, the menu can be honed and re-honed until it reaches a state of near-perfection, at which point Simmonds will open a permanent restaurant.
As it stands, TK is housed in a sleek, marble-washed Soho space, with all bar seating running along the open kitchen. Here’s what they have going on at the moment on,
THE MENU
Currently, the dishes are all small plates, some slightly larger than others, with a menu divided up into Fish (rock oyster with cucumber, Riesling, and kiwi); Veg (salt-baked swede with blackberries & goats cheese); Meat (lamb with salsify, pickled shallots, and milk skin); and Dessert (milk chocolate mousse with whiskey & finger limes). Of course, all of this could change, should someone make the necessary suggestion in,
THE FEEDBACK FORM
Keeping to the Miniskirt Principle, it’s short enough to be interesting, and long enough to cover the necessary material – sections include ‘I was challenged by…” – “I like the taste/ texture/ aroma of” – “Speed of service & pacing of dishes”, etc. Over the course of a year, the hope is that these will prove a trove of invaluably delicious data from which to build the perfect restaurant.
It’s all in good test.
NOTE: The Test Kitchen is now closed – but you can take a look at their website right HERE.
The Test Kitchen | 54 Frith Street, W1D 4SL
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