In the kitchen with… Mark and Shauna Froydenlund of Marcus at The Berkeley
We speak to the chef-patrons of Marcus at The Berkeley.
Husband and wife team Mark and Shauna Froydenlund have become joint chef-patrons and partners at Marcus at The Berkeley, the contemporary European Michelin-starred restaurant from celebrated British chef Marcus Wareing. Offering a la carte and tasting menus across an elegant dining room and two private dining spaces, the menu features the best seasonal ingredients combined with innovative cooking techniques. We chatted to Shauna and Mark about their local favourites, training in the culinary arts and their go-to dish to make at home.
What inspired you to become a chef and how did you get where you are today?
Shauna: “We both worked in (different) restaurants from a young age and fell in love with it. I first met Marcus in 2006 when I did a student placement at what was known as Petrus. I returned to the kitchen after graduating, now known as Marcus at the Berkeley, starting as a demi chef de partie on pastry. I worked my way up to Head Pastry Chef and then tried out a few of the other stations, before moving over to The Gilbert Scott when it opened in 2011. I came back a year later to be Senior Sous Chef at Marcus and am now the chef patron with Mark!”
Mark: “They are very special places, it was hard to imagine doing anything else. I joined the restaurant when it was known as Petrus back in 2007 as a commis chef and worked my way to Sous Chef first, and then Head Chef in 2012. A couple of years later, in 2017, Shauna and I became chef patrons of Marcus.”
Tell us about your favourite aspect of working in your restaurant…
Shauna and Mark: “We get to work with great people and great produce. Every day is different and a challenge in a positive way!”
What’s your go-to dish to make at home in the autumn?
Shauna: “We have a three-year-old at home, so a lot of our cooking is based around her! At the moment, we can’t look past a roast chicken.”
Where’s your favourite place to go in Belgravia?
Shauna: “The Fine Cheese Company on Motcomb Street – it’s incredible!”
What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever had?
Mark: “Austin’s Fish Market, Barbados. Grannies fillet the fish right in front of you and then grill it on the barbecue.”
Shauna: “Guy Savoy in Paris.”
Discover Marcus at The Berkeley at The Berkeley, Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RL.
