Former Momofuku chef Clayton Wells to open Automata at Old Clare Hotel in Chippendale

Clayton Wells, who was sous chef at David Chang's Momofuku Seiobo until last August, says his new restaurant, Automata, is starting to take shape. Wells is going into business with Singapore-based hotelier and businessman Loh Lik Peng, for whom Wells worked at Viajante in London's Town Hall Hotel.

Clayton Wells (Photo : Supplied)

Peng has taken over the heritage-listed Old Clare Hotel and adjoining Carlton and United Breweries building in Chippendale, which he is refurbishing. The 60-seat Automata ("or-tom-eter") will go into the ground floor.

Wells says he is working with architect Matt Machine, who specialises in custom motorcycles and steel sculpture, to create the interior. "It won't look like a workshop but Matt and I are using machinery as an inspiration," says Wells.

He'll draw on his experience of cooking dishes based on contemporary influences from around the world. There will be a constantly changing five-course set menu along with a small bar menu, says Wells. "I don't like sitting on one dish for too long."

Automata is due to open in May.

Source : Good Food    Hilary McNevin January 13th 2015