About
Will Smith
Will's first foray into hospitality was in hotel management working in notable establishments such as Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomond and The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh which piqued a passion in Will to pursue the restaurant side of the hotel business.
Recognising that London was at the forefront of the restaurant scene Will relocated there in 1997 taking on the role of Restaurant Manager at L’Odeon on Regent Street.
It was at L’Odeon that he met his now business partner, Chef Anthony Demetre and a joint venture followed with the opening of Putney Bridge Restaurant in 1998. This iconic restaurant situated on the start line of The Boat Race became renowned for its excellence in both food and service, winning the team a Michelin star in 1999. Following the sale of the building in 2005 Will and Anthony had the perfect opportunity to follow their dream of opening their own business in London's West End.
Arbutus opened on Frith Street in Soho in May 2006 to great critical acclaim trail blazing a trend for exceptional food and wine served in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Will’s wine list was widely lauded for its unique offering of some 60+ wines all available by the 250ml carafe something not previously found in the London restaurant. Within 8 months of opening, Arbutus was awarded a Michelin star.
Wild Honey in Mayfair followed in June 2007 again achieving a Michelin star in its first year of trading. Their most recent opening was Les Deux Salons in Covent Garden in October 2010, an all day brasserie which has received unilateral praise for its food and service.
Will has made several TV appearances including BBC 2's 'Masterchef - The Professionals’ and has been called on to share his passion and experience on various radio programmes including BBC Radio 4's Food Programme and Farming Today. He is a regular speaker at a variety of hospitality industry events.