Tim Anderson, who won TV’s MasterChef programme in 2011, has switched his attention to Hackney for a first site for his new southern Japanese food concept called Nanban, M&C Report understands.
The chef had gone back to the drawing board in terms of a first site after a deal on a site in London’s Shoreditch fell through this summer.
He has set up a new company Nanban (Hackney) Ltd, in which David Page, the ex-Clapham House Group chairman, is a director.
It is thought that the chef was in advanced talks to secure the unit at 147 Shoreditch High Street and is still keen to take a site in the area.
M&C Report understands that Page is currently advising on the concept.
It is thought that the venture could be one of the start-ups Page looks to invest in through his new Fulham Shore vehicle.
Fulham Shore, which commenced trading on the ISDX Growth Market earlier this year, plans to introduce two or three start-up concepts and reverse private assets into it over the next two to three years.
The company has so far raised close to £1m so far and hopes to make its first investment in June, with a Japanese concept and a Jewish deli under consideration.
Anderson, who previously ran the Euston Tap for Jamie Hawksworth, recently operated a two-night Japanese-influenced pop up at the ETM Group’s Prince Arthur pub in east London.
He was the youngest winner of MasterChef and was praised for his imaginative take on Japanese food.
