Announcing Aulis Phuket
We are excited to announce that we will be opening Aulis Phuket, a new chef's table concept in December 2023 at Iniala Beach House, which will be Simon's first restaurant in Thailand.
As a chefâs table concept, Aulis is Simonâs way of inviting guests behind the scenes, to fully immerse in our philosophies which are centred around a deep respect and reverence for seasonality and local produce ushered from his Lake District roots. The first iteration of Aulis opened in Cartmel, UK, in 2016, named as a tribute to Aulis Lehtimaki, a Finnish chef and artist who was a key team member in the early days of LâEnclume. Since this time Simon and his team have gone on to create Aulis London - which recently reopened after an extensive refurbishment - and in 2019, Aulis Hong Kong, his first international launch and first foray into Asia.
As with the other Aulis chefâs tables around the world, Aulis Phuket will explore and
experiment with hyper local ingredients, developing and perfecting flavours and techniques
to create an almost entirely unique experience for the 15 guests at each service.
Alongside Simon and executive chef, Oli Marlow, the Aulis Phuket team will be led by
Giacomo Primante, who brings experience from a global array of Michelin-starred
restaurants, including most recently 3* Benu in San Francisco, and Franceâs esteemed
Restaurant Mirazur, which was awarded the number one position for two years running in
the Worldâs 50 Best list, 2019-2021.
A few favourite dishes will nod to Simonâs other restaurants, each delivered with a local twist
as well as seasonal additions, in the typical Aulis way. Aside from these, the multi-course menu will be dedicated to showcasing native ingredients from Thailand and
Asia, working hand in hand with local farmers and growers.
Aulis Phuket will be situated within the grounds of Iniala Beach House, an ultra-luxury and exclusive destination of villas and apartments in the Takua Thang district of Phang Nga. The design of the chef's table is being led by local Phuket interiors studio, Studio CKP. Founder and Creative Director, Ckori Pena, has drawn inspiration from the desire to create an immersive and awe-inspiring space that will captivate diners and elevate their dining experience; where every detail, from the textures to the lighting, tell a story. Where possible, local and Asian materials are being used, including Thai bamboo and copper-effect walls, and a dining table crafted from locally sourced teak and Thai marble.
The partnership with Iniala follows on from the opening ION Harbour earlier this year, which is housed in a sister property, Iniala Harbour House, on the Mediterranean island of Malta. Owner of the Iniala hotel brand, entrepreneur and philanthropist Mark Weingard, also hails from the North of England and the pair have connected over common ground and a mutual passion for creating and delivering outstanding concepts. Both Simon and Mark have built their businesses to be small and independently run, but this collaboration allows them to broaden their horizons at a global level.
The chef's table restaurant will be open for dinner Wednesday to Sunday, and lunch on Sunday.