BYO at Tom Aikens

Tom Aikens has scrapped the corkage charge for lunchtime diners at his Michelin-starred London restaurant.

Until the end of October, guests can bring their own wine to enjoy alongside Aikens’ dishes.

The decision was made in a bid to attract new customers to the restaurant, which has struggled with financial issues in recent times.

At the beginning of 2009, Aikens’ two restaurants were reported to be £3 million in the red and were bought out of administration by a private equity firm.

This latest policy can only be good news for diners though, who can now enjoy an Aikens set lunch from £23 without worrying about the drinks bill.

You’d be lucky to escape from Pizza Express for that sum.

However, with dishes such as cauliflower soup with summer truffle and lobster gnocchi on the menu, Aikens’ creative cuisine may present an entertaining challenge for your wine pairing skills.

Gabriel Savage, 22.09.09