Cycene: A Theatrical Dining Journey in Shoreditch

Nestled within the Blue Mountain School in Shoreditch, Cycene (meaning 'kitchen' in Old English) offers one of London's most distinctive dining experiences. This intimate Michelin-starred restaurant takes guests on a carefully orchestrated journey through multiple spaces, creating a theatrical progression that elevates the meal beyond mere sustenance.

A Multi-Room Experience

The experience begins in the minimalist downstairs bar with cocktails and the first course—typically a rich beef broth with beef fat and a selection of house-made breads with specialty butters. Guests then move to the kitchen for interactive courses prepared before their eyes, before settling into the intimate dining room with its crisp white tablecloths and flickering candlelight for the remainder of the tasting menu.

Culinary Philosophy

Head Chef Taz Sarhane (who replaced founding chef Theo Clench in 2024) has deepened the restaurant's focus on seasonal British ingredients while incorporating innovative fermentation techniques. The kitchen works closely with farms across the UK and utilizes foraged ingredients to create dishes that balance technical precision with bold, memorable flavors.

Signature Dishes

The multi-course tasting menu (priced at £175) evolves with the seasons but might include highlights such as:

• Barbecued lobster brushed with wagyu fat and served with fermented tomatoes
• Dry-aged Shetland cod with dill sabayon
• Highland wagyu sirloin with shellfish sauce and fermented apricot
• Perfectly prepared scallops with brown butter and fermented asparagus

Atmosphere and Setting

The dining room exudes a temple-like serenity with its clean geometry, sharp angular lines, and handmade ceramics. Despite the high-end nature of the experience, Cycene maintains a warm, almost homely atmosphere that feels more like dining in a private residence than a formal restaurant.

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking one of London's most distinctive dining experiences, Cycene delivers a memorable journey that engages all the senses while showcasing the best of modern British cuisine.