This Cornerstone by Tom Brown review covers the seafood-focused tasting menu I experienced with my mum on 15 July 2023.
Cornerstone permanently closed in June 2024 after six years, so this is now a retrospective review of the restaurant, its tasting menu and the dishes I experienced. Tom Brown has since returned to Knightsbridge with his current restaurant, Tom Brown at The Capital.
Cornerstone by Tom Brown: Quick Overview
- Location: Hackney Wick, East London
- Cuisine: Modern British seafood
- Experience: Michelin-starred tasting menu
- Visited: 15 July 2023
- Price during my visit: Approximately £80 per person
- Best for: Seafood lovers and special occasions
- Current status: Permanently closed since June 2024
- Chef’s current restaurant: Tom Brown at The Capital, Knightsbridge
The Cornerstone Tasting Menu
The tasting menu cost approximately £80 per person during my visit. We began with a delicate amuse-bouche with rich, cheesy flavours, which immediately set the tone for the evening. Every course that followed was carefully prepared and beautifully presented, making the menu feel considered from beginning to end.
My Favourite Seafood Dishes
The Chalk Stream trout pastrami was delicate and full of flavour, while the pickled oyster with cucumber, horseradish and dill was one of the best oysters I had ever tasted. The fresh, creative bream tartare was another standout dish and showed exactly why Cornerstone had earned its Michelin star.
Service and Atmosphere
The care and precision behind every course were clear throughout the evening. Despite the technical cooking, the restaurant never felt stiff or rushed. The team gave us plenty of time between dishes to enjoy our drinks, talk and appreciate each course.
That relaxed pacing made the evening feel especially personal. My mum and I could simply enjoy the food and each other’s company while the restaurant created a memorable fine-dining experience around us.
My Verdict and Where to Find Tom Brown Now
Cornerstone exceeded my expectations and gave my mum and me an experience we still remember fondly. The seafood, relaxed atmosphere and careful service made it feel worthy of its Michelin-starred reputation. Although the restaurant has now closed, this review remains a record of one of Hackney Wick’s most celebrated dining destinations.
Tom Brown now leads Tom Brown at The Capital in Knightsbridge. The restaurant received a Michelin star in 2026 and continues his focus on modern British seafood and high-quality produce.
For more memorable fine dining in London, read my reviews of Portland Restaurant and Sketch’s Lecture Room & Library.
Cornerstone by Tom Brown FAQs
Is Cornerstone in Hackney Wick still open?
No. Cornerstone permanently closed in June 2024 after six years of trading.
Why did Cornerstone close?
Tom Brown cited the rising costs of operating a tasting-menu restaurant and changes in diners’ preferences.
Did Cornerstone have a Michelin star?
Yes. Cornerstone received a Michelin star in 2021 and was known for its modern British seafood.
Where is Chef Tom Brown cooking now?
Tom Brown currently leads Tom Brown at The Capital in Knightsbridge, which received a Michelin star in 2026.
How much was the Cornerstone tasting menu?
The tasting menu cost approximately £80 per person when I visited in July 2023.
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Explore East London’s Food Scene
Cornerstone may have closed, but East London remains one of the city’s most exciting food destinations. This guided tour explores the flavours and stories of Brick Lane and Shoreditch through several local tastings.
Discover this East End London food tour
