The Health Lottery’s Paying It Forward Podcast with Danni Menzies and Andy Beynon

Award-Winning Chef Andy Beynon triumphs through turbulent times to secure Coveted Michelin Star

Renowned London-based chef Andy Beynon has defied the odds and achieved culinary greatness amidst unprecedented challenges, all while embodying the ethos of giving back to the community. 

In an exclusive interview on The Health Lottery’s Paying it Forward podcast episode which airs Thursday 9th January, Beynon revealed the remarkable journey of his restaurant, navigating through the tumultuous landscape of lockdowns to clinch a prestigious Michelin star within just 20 days of opening.

Beynon’s Behind restaurant, nestled between lockdowns one and two, faced a daunting reality as the hospitality industry grappled with uncertainty. Despite the odds stacked against him, Beynon and his team embarked on their culinary venture, trading for a mere 20 days before succumbing to lockdown restrictions once more.

Reflecting on this tumultuous period, Beynon shared, “It was a bit of a crazy time. We opened, traded for 10 days, went into lockdown two, opened for 10 more days, and then faced the announcement of yet another closure. It was a rollercoaster of uncertainty.”

Surviving in such precarious circumstances was no small feat, especially for a new establishment. Beynon recounted the challenges of securing financial support and navigating the complexities of operating a restaurant amid ongoing restrictions. “We really struggled… It was super tricky through that point,” he admitted.

Yet, amidst the trials and tribulations, Beynon’s dedication and culinary prowess shone through. Within the brief window of operation, his restaurant garnered the prestigious Michelin star, propelling Beynon into the spotlight of gastronomic excellence.

“It was one of my dreams to achieve a Michelin star, and to see it happen so quickly was surreal,” Beynon remarked, reflecting on the momentous achievement.

Central to Beynon’s success was his unwavering passion for food and relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. With over 17 years of experience in the industry, Beynon’s journey has been characterised by a deep-rooted love for diverse cuisines and a commitment to mastering his craft.

In addition to his culinary achievements, Beynon has also made significant contributions to the community through his philanthropic endeavours. 

Beynon’s dedication to philanthropy is deeply rooted in his own experiences, including a poignant moment early in his career when a fellow chef paid it forward to him. “I used to work with a chef called Matt Weeden, who had a Michelin Star restaurant back when I was a little kid,” Beynon recalled. “Despite having no money to my name, he would take me out to two-star restaurants in London and always foot the bill. That memory has stayed with me and fuelled my desire to give back.”

Inspired by the concept of paying it forward, Beynon collaborates with local charities to raise funds for those in need.

“I work with a local charity or a local food bank in Hackney, where I gift a table to be bid for at an auction, raising a decent amount of money,” Beynon shared. “It’s super important to work with food banks, especially since I’m in the food industry. Giving back in this way is essential.”

Looking to the future, Beynon remains committed to his culinary journey and his mission to make a positive impact on the world. As he continues to innovate and inspire, Beynon’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of resilience, creativity, and generosity.

Tune into The Health Lottery’s “Paying it Forward Podcast” on major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.