Thomas Straker
About the chef
Tom brings a professional cooking education cultivated through experience alongside world-famous chefs in exclusive London restaurants.
Raised in a Herefordshire smallholding, Tom's inspiration sprang from nature. His passion for hunting and foraging in the Black Mountains, along with his hands-on approach to farming, shaped his deep appreciation for quality ingredients and sustainable practices.
Tom's food philosophy is grounded in honesty, simplicity, and a focus on produce. He emphasises using the best seasonal ingredients prepared with straightforward techniques, which has garnered him millions of followers online.
With a decade in top London restaurants like The Dorchester and Dinner, Tom is on a mission to bring simple, high-quality cooking into people's homes.
In 2022, he opened his first restaurant, adequately named Straker's, in the heart of Notting Hill's Golborne Road, combining great music, food and cocktails with a charming local neighbourhood vibe.
q&a
What are you most proud of in your career?
This would be the opening of my restaurant and running it successfully for a year; super taxing but extremely fun and rewarding.
What's your go-to comfort dish?
My go-to comfort food is crab tagliolini. Its spicy, warming and fresh - delicious.
What are your favourite restaurants at the moment - the ones to watch?
The River Cafe, Brat and Kiln.
What is key in creating a great dish?
Always think simply. People always think they need to add way too many ingredients, but don't be afraid to take away and strip back. Execute fewer elements perfectly.
What are your top Belazu product picks? What do you use them on most?
The Verdemanda Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the Rose Harissa.
