Born and raised in southeast London to English-Moroccan parents, Sarhane has developed a passion for ingredient preservation techniques like fermenting, dry-aging, and foraging, particularly for mushrooms. These elements form the foundation of his culinary philosophy, allowing him to craft dishes that celebrate the bounty of British soil while showcasing creativity and resourcefulness.
Sarhane’s culinary journey began at Claude Bosi’s Bibendum, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant in London, where he trained under the esteemed UK-based French chef. This experience honed his skills in French haute cuisine and instilled discipline and innovation. He later joined the opening team at Brooklands by Claude Bosi at The Peninsula London, which swiftly earned two Michelin stars, solidifying Sarhane’s reputation as a rising talent.
Eager to expand his culinary horizons, Sarhane worked at The Sea, The Sea, a contemporary seafood bar, and Levan, a modern British restaurant. These roles allowed him to experiment with new techniques and push the boundaries of British cuisine, combining traditional flavors with contemporary ideas.
In January 2024, Sarhane joined Cycene, the intimate, tasting-menu-only restaurant in Shoreditch’s Blue Mountain School building, as Senior Sous Chef. Within months, he rose to Head Chef, continuing to elevate the restaurant’s reputation. With just 18 covers, Cycene offers a highly curated dining experience where food, art, and design are seamlessly intertwined. Since opening in October 2022, the restaurant has earned a Michelin star and ranked 48th on Restaurant magazine’s list of the UK’s top 100 restaurants.
Sarhane’s menu at Cycene reflects his deep commitment to seasonal British produce, sourced directly from local farmers and through foraging expeditions. He works closely with emerging organic producers to ensure complete transparency and integrity throughout the supply chain. By incorporating preservation techniques, Sarhane ensures ingredients retain their peak flavor year-round, aligning sustainability with culinary excellence.
With his dedication to innovation, sustainability, and celebrating British ingredients, Chef Taz Sarhane is becoming one of London’s most influential chefs. Under his leadership, Cycene continues to push the boundaries of modern British cuisine, securing its place at the forefront of the culinary world.
