Cycene derived its name from the word for kitchen in Old English.  It endeavors to create the feeling of dining in a private home with a 9 course menu focused on local seafood and game.  It’s a moving dinner where you start on the ground floor in the bar area.  Here you have a few snacks and drinks and then it’s off to the second floor kitchen where you also have bites before finally adjourning to the dining room.   The evening can only accommodate 16 people which do arrive in 2 groups, as the bar can’t seat all at once.  For groups up to 6 they also have a private dining room right off the kitchen.  You have to ring at the Blue Mountain School building as the restaurant has no signage but the school has no school.  You might think it would feel weird but instead you couldn’t be more warmly welcomed as you are lead into the bar counter.  Low and behold there was Chef Hannah Blackwell who we met at Aulis last year and she was good enough to remember us, as my old brain doesn’t work that fast, but then I knew a good evening was in store for us.  Head Chef Taz Sarhane joined her at the bar to serve drinks and snacks and talked about his love of foraging and the unique nature of this restaurant – from the novel food combinations to the modern art and handmade pottery.  They have a one Michelin Star rating and I highly recommend you visit this place when in London. Continue reading →