Blog. Tom Sellers to launch ‘Merry Men’ pop-up and raise funds for HA

From the 4th April to the 22nd April, celebrated chef Tom Sellers, who holds one Michelin star at his critically acclaimed Restaurant Story in Bermondsey, will launch a one-off ‘pop-up’ – ‘Merry Men’ – designed to give an immersive dining experience in the heart of SE1. The ‘pop-up’ will coincide with the closure of Restaurant Story (closed from 31st March), while it undergoes a complete interior renovation, the first since opening in 2013, which will see the restaurant’s look evolve to reflect Tom’s development as a restauranteur.

Named to reflect Tom’s upbringing in Nottingham, ‘Merry Men’ references the band of outlaws that followed Robin Hood. The pop-up will draw on Tom’s passion for history and provenance by bringing elements of storytelling into the menu.

A banquet-style menu will reflect Tom’s dedication to seasonal, refined and artfully conceived dishes. The focal point of each meal will be traditionally prepared meats, alongside drinks selected by Story’s Head Sommelier. Dishes will include bone marrow, eel and parsley; Smoked haddock in milk; Braised and hot smoked lamb leg, anchovies and capers; Beef cheeks in hay; and Lardy cake with salted blackberries and cultured ice cream.

In true ‘Merry Men’ style, each Wednesday the ‘pop-up’ will host a guest chef, such as Jason Atherton on 18 April (more dates and names tbc), who will collaborate on a menu and cook alongside Tom. The project will donate a portion of each ticket sold to Hospitality Action, with a larger portion being donated on guest chef evenings.

The 60-seat venue will be located in nearby 47-49 Tanner Street SE1 3PL and will be open for dinner Wednesday-Saturday and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. A bar accommodating up to 40 guests will serve a woodland-themed cocktail menu created by Matt Whiley, supported by Bombay Sapphire and a smaller snack menu call ‘Pig Tales’.

The Tanner Street site is a former Victorian tannery, spread over three floors and boasts many original features, including exposed brick walls, large oak roof beams and textured wooden floors.

To mark the final evening of ‘Merry Men’, the team will host The Last Feast, a market day where all elements of ‘pop-up’ will be for sale, from crockery to cutlery and glassware. Tom Sellers will also donate the profits made on the sale of these items to Hospitality Action. The venue will also be available for pre-arranged private hire for large parties during this period.

Tickets must be pre-booked and are priced at £65 for four courses including a drink. Book your tickets now via Eventbrite