Martin Williams – and his team at M Restaurants – have been enjoying a well deserved Christmas break before preparing for the New Year and what looks like being an eventful 2017 with new openings planned. He looks forward to what we can expect, once he has got through his festive celebrations…
How do you look back on 2016 for your business?
A game of Two Halves with an unwelcome showing of Brexit in the interval
What was the biggest highlight?
The main dining room at M in Victoria is designed to look at a theatre stage to represent the full night out experience
M Victoria Street being shortlisted for winner of Best New Opening 2016 in the Restaurant Magazine Awards (even though Sexy Fish beat us).
And the biggest challenge?
The devaluation in the rate of the pound and the subsequent increase in pricing from our suppliers post the Brexit vote in the EU referendum.
What will be your key goals for first six months of 2017?
We will looking to appeal the upcoming rate rise we have received; we are building a new Private Members Lounge in M Threadneedle St and creating and building our new sociable, local M venue in Twickenham.
What did you do for Christmas?
We stayed in London and took the chance to enjoy our fine city whilst cooking and entertaining for friends and relatives.
What did you eat on Christmas Day?
Fois gras stuffed quails.
Did you have anything special to drink?
It was a daily toss up between the excellent Seedlip (non alcoholic spirit) and Belvedere Martinis. Hennessey Paradis, later in the evening with a Cohiba Siglo 1.
Any favourite Christmas film?
There’s always time for a bit of Bing Crosby…White Xmas
White Christmas with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
Any guilty pleasure for the festive period?
A new Etro jacket
If money was no option then what would be your ideal Christmas?
To hae a private jet so that I could beat the clock and allow for two or three Christmas mornings.
What would you be drinking?
