Tom Aikens forced to close restaurant

One of London’s most acclaimed chefs, Tom Aikens (pictured), is closing his new Chelsea restaurant just six months after it opened, following a dispute with the neighbours. As The First Post reported in June, residents have been embroiled in a bitter dispute with Aikens over his eaterie in Chelsea Green, Tom’s Kitchen. Led by Sir Michael Jenkins, the former president of Boeing UK, they felt he had not installed effective ventilation systems in the kitchens, and as a result they were daily assailed by the pungent smell of burning cooking oil. Now the chef has thrown in the dish-towel.

Aikens, who at 26 became the youngest person to win a Michelin star, was unwilling to comment on the matter yesterday. However, the Independent illicited this statement from his spokesman: "Citing ongoing difficulties and disputes with local residents and council planners over issues of air-conditioning, kitchen extraction and general business, Aikens has decided to cease trading until further notice."