Ruben Dawnay brings barbecue flair to Firestarter with new chef residency in central London

Rising London chef Ruben Dawnay will begin a three-month residency at Firestarter, the live-fire kitchen located at The Star by Liverpool Street, starting on 4^th February. The collaboration will see Dawnay, known for his Ruben’s Reubens brand, introduce a selection of his barbecue-inspired dishes to the Firestarter menu, offering diners in central London access to his signature approach to smoked and flame-cooked meats.

The residency, which will run till the end of April, will feature a variety of dishes including ribs, brisket and homemade sausages, which will be served alongside Firestarter’s existing hot-links and will mark the debut of the Firestarter Grill Tray, a shareable platter designed around live-fire cooking and robust flavours.

Rob Star, owner of the City of London host restaurant, commented: “Firestarter is built around one simple idea: put exceptional ingredients over proper fire and let the flame do the talking. Ruben understands that instinctively. His food is bold, unfussy and deeply satisfying – exactly what our grill was made for. This residency is a major step forward for us, and we look forward to introducing it to Liverpool Street.”

Dawnay first gained attention during the Covid lockdown, when he began smoking meats and curing fish from his parents’ garden in Brixton at the age of 19. Since then, Ruben’s Reubens has developed into a well-known smokehouse concept in London, earning spots on Code Hospitality’s 30 Under 30 Rising Stars and The Maldon Salt 50 Best lists, as well as a Condé Nast Traveller rising chef award. He has also worked under chef Robin Gill at Darby’s and has hosted a series of sold-out pop-ups and residencies across the city.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Dawnay said: “It’s all in the name… Firestarter. I’m here to create some sparks and bring an exciting offering to the table. Think BBQ trays with a focus on the grill and the flare of live fire cooking. You can expect dry-aged steaks, sausages, ribs – all the good stuff… The Firestarter Grill Tray format lets us serve it the way it should be eaten: hot, generous and straight off the fire!”.

Food Desk

Ruben Dawnay’s residency in on from 4^th February until 30^th April 2026 at Firestarter, 94 Middlesex Street, London E1 7EZ. For further information or to book, visit here.

For further information about Ruben’s Reubens, visit the brand’s website here.