Chef gives veganism the chop at meat feast

Acclaimed chef Ben Murphy is hosting a “carnivorous feast” to champion meat and encourage Londoners to try unusual cuts.

At a time when veganism and vegetarianism is at an all-time high in the capital, the head chef at Kensington restaurant Launceston Place is to celebrate meat with five other leading chefs in a one-night event.

The others taking part are Margot Henderson, co-patron and chef of Shoreditch’s Rochelle Canteen; Jackson Boxer, the chef and restaurateur behind Brunswick House and members’ venue Chess Club; Selin Kiazim from Oklava in Shoreditch; Mirek Dawid, head chef at Soho and City restaurants Blacklock; and Anna Hansen from The Modern Pantry in Clerkenwell. Each will prepare one dish in the six-course tasting menu. The meat will be supplied by artisan butchers The Ginger Pig. The event also coincides with National Butchers Week.

Speaking to the Standard, Murphy — a protégé of Pierre Koffmann who has also worked at three-Michelin-starred Le Bristol in Paris and The Berkeley — said he believed now was a pertinent time to celebrate meat. “For me, it is really important to champion meat and show how versatile it is. It is the central element of my cooking. I really respect vegans, but we also have to look after our meat industry.”

The event will showcase less familiar cuts, from pigs’ cheeks to lambs’ neck end chops. Murphy said he wanted to challenge people’s perceptions and encourage them to try something new.

The six-course dinner with a glass of champagne is £60 per head. There will be two sittings on March 14, from 6–8pm and 8.30–10pm. launcestonplace@danddlondon.com