The Laphroaig Market with chef Tom Aikens

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Open-fire cooking is really having a moment – unsurprisingly, given the depth of flavour that cooking over coals can yield. And having your food cooked to order, right in front of your eyes, has always been a particular joy – chef's tables and kitchen counter-style dining experiences have long held a premium in the culinary fields. So, how about a combination of the two, with a Michelin-starred chef thrown in for good measure?

That's exactly what you'll get at The Laphroaig Market in Borough Yards from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 April. Guests will get to browse a market defined by independent brands and quality goods and select fresh produce for Tom Aikens – chef of Michelin-starred restaurant Muse – to cook then and there. Perhaps some in-season calçots, to be blistered on the fire, the smoke releasing their inherent sweetness, or a piece of fish, just a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon to elevate the delicate char?

Alongside cooking market items to order, Aikens and his team have also designed six totally unique dishes to order, bringing to the fore the flavours of peat, salt and fire – the three elements that make Laphroaig whisky unmatched in quality and flavour. Dishes on offer include lobster roll with sudachi, spiced mayo, nori, fried cabbage and cicely; rib eye steak with Laphroaig 10 Year Old shallot sauce and grilled onion; as well as cold smoked & charred cabbage with fermented grains and gremolata.

Tom Aikens cooking over fire with Laphroaig

Food Story Media

"Throughout my life, I have been inspired and influenced by many different people and places, times and travels; finding different flavours and techniques to bring about a new dimension to food," says Aikens. "Discovery and dedication to creating something truly memorable is something I, Laphroaig and the incredible food producers at The Laphroaig Market all share. We can’t wait to share what will be an unforgettable food and whisky experience."

Food cooked over fire is a perfect partner for whisky, and the team at Laphroaig will be whipping up some great cocktails specifically for the event, alongside drams of the good stuff from the dedicated Laphroaig bar, to bring out the flavours of peat, salt and fire. For more than 200 years, Laphroaig’s unmistakable whisky has been a direct reflection of its origin; from the salty seawater and ocean breeze to the earthy smokiness that comes from the malted barley cold-smoked by traditional kilns fuelled by peat. This event will tie all these flavours together in partnership with some of the city's most unique food producers – get in quick, as we predict tickets are going to fly off the shelves.

Tickets to The Laphroaig Market with Tom Aikens at Borough Yards will be available from DesignMyNight for £25, including one of six main dishes and a Laphroaig cocktail