Chef Tom Simmons to open second Cardiff restaurant

Daniel Bevan - Editor

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Celebrated Welsh chef Tom Simmons is expanding his Cardiff footprint with the launch of a second restaurant concept, introducing a chef’s counter dining experience designed to bring guests closer to the kitchen.

The new venue, Lofft, will officially open on Saturday 14 February, exactly six years after Simmons first launched his Pontcanna restaurant, Thomas by Tom Simmons.

The opening follows a recent rebrand of the original site, which has been reinvented as Thomas The Brasserie.

Lofft will now serve as the home for Simmons’ fine-dining and tasting menu format.

Situated upstairs at Thomas The Brasserie, Lofft has been developed as a compact, premium experience built around an open kitchen and chef-led counter.

The format limits each sitting to 12 guests at £110 a head, all seated facing the pass, where dishes are prepared and presented in real time.

Tom said: “Opening Lofft feels like a really special moment for me.

“Six years on from opening Thomas, I wanted to create an experience which offers intimate dining teamed with incredible produce and genuine interaction between chefs and guests.

“This will be a truly immersive experience, where people can see the craft, creativity and teamwork that goes into every plate.”

Lofft will be led by Adam Day, General Manager, alongside Executive Chef Tom Peters, who brings experience from some of the world’s most respected kitchens, including Maaemo and Roux at Parliament Square.

Adam added: “Lofft allows us to offer something completely different to our guests.

“With just 12 seats and a chef-led counter, it’s about hospitality between the kitchen, the team and the diner.

“It’s a space where service becomes part of the experience, and every guest feels looked after from the moment they arrive.”

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