Scott Hallsworth facts for kids

Scott Hallsworth, born on 12 July 1975, is a talented chef, restaurateur, and author from Australia. He is well-known for his exciting Japanese-inspired restaurants, especially in London.

Hallsworth has owned and worked as the executive chef at several restaurants in London. He started and managed three Kurobuta restaurants in areas like Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and Marble Arch until May 2017. His main Japanese izakaya (a type of informal Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks) was Kurobuta Marble Arch.

In March 2015, Hallsworth opened Joe's Oriental Diner in Chelsea. He also opened Kurochan at the Mandarin Oriental in Bodrum, Turkey, in the summer of 2014. Hallsworth sold his Kurobuta restaurant group in June 2017.

After selling Kurobuta, Hallsworth launched his pan-Asian Freakscene pop-up restaurant in Clerkenwell in July 2017. This pop-up became a permanent Freakscene restaurant in London's West End in March 2018.

More recently, in March 2023, Hallsworth opened another permanent Freak Scene restaurant. He partnered with Australian comedian Adam Hills for this venture in the Parsons Green area of London's Fulham. In January 2024, they opened a second permanent Freak Scene restaurant together in Balham, London.

Early Life and Sports

Scott Hallsworth grew up in Collie, Western Australia. When he was a teenager, he was a very keen cross country runner. He even competed in national events twice, achieving his best result of 6th place. He also won silver medals in 800m and 1500m races at state-level track and field competitions.

Influenced by his older brothers, who were in bands, Hallsworth also formed several small garage bands during his high school years.

Hallsworth's Culinary Journey

Hallsworth left high school at 16 to start an apprenticeship with Alain Doisneau, a chef who had worked at the famous La Gavroche restaurant.

Early Cooking Competitions

As an apprentice, Hallsworth entered cooking competitions. He won a Gold medal in the 3rd year apprentice category at the Western Australian state competition. This led to him joining the Western Australian State cooking team. At the national level, he won Gold for his pastry dishes and a Bronze award for his buffet creations.

Working in Australia and Beyond

After his apprenticeship, Hallsworth moved to Perth. He worked at the Hyatt Hotel and the popular 44 King Street Brasserie. After a six-week road trip around Australia, he decided to work at Hayman Island Resort, located on the Great Barrier Reef in North Queensland.

In 2001, Hallsworth joined Nobu London as a Chef de Partie (a chef in charge of a particular section of the kitchen). He spent six years at this Michelin starred restaurant on Park Lane, eventually becoming the Head Chef.

Expanding His Restaurant Experience

In 2007, Hallsworth moved to Melbourne, Australia, to help open Nobu Melbourne. The next year, in 2008, he went to Dubai to help open Mirai restaurant. In 2009, Hallsworth opened his third restaurant in three years, Wabi in Horsham, West Sussex. In 2012, he oversaw the opening of Wabi London.

Finally, in 2013, Hallsworth created and launched his own unique restaurant idea, the Kurobuta concept.

Books and Media Appearances

Scott Hallsworth has written two books. His first book, The Japanese Foie Gras Project, was published in 2007. It included a special introduction by the famous chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa.

In May 2014, Hallsworth appeared on the Channel 4 cooking show The Sunday Brunch. He showed how to make his barbecue pork belly in steamed buns with spicy peanut soy.

In 2017, his second book, Junk Food Japan, was published. This book featured special photographs taken by David Loftus.

Awards and Recognition

Scott Hallsworth's culinary skills have earned him several awards:

• On 10 October 2014, he received two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence for 2014–2015.
• On 7 April 2015, his Kurobuta restaurant won the BMW Square Meal Award for Best New Restaurant.

Personal Life

Scott Hallsworth enjoys cooking at home and loves to barbecue, no matter the weather. He has three children. In his free time, he likes to mountain bike, play guitar, snowboard, and travel.