About Us
Who We Are
Helen and McKenzie founded Gravlax in 2025, inspired by a shared vision for honest food, genuine hospitality, and a welcoming space for their community. They first met five years earlier while working together back home in Yorkshire —Helen as General Manager and McKenzie as Head Chef at a brunch restaurant in central Leeds. It was here that their shared vision and complementary strengths quickly came together.
There are no secret family recipes or grand dreams behind the concept, it’s simply two people who love what they do. With over 20 years of combined experience in the restaurant industry, the pair have helped to open and develop several restaurants in their career including some notable Brighton venues. Along the way, they have met incredible people, formed a family-like dynamic with their brilliant team, and learned all the best tricks of the trade.
Our Kitchen
With McKenzie at the helm and a passionate team behind every service, the kitchen at Gravlax celebrates food as part of something bigger—community, sustainability, and genuine local collaboration. Our approach begins with the land and the people who care for it. We work closely with a hand-picked network of local suppliers, farmers, and artisans whose dedication to craft inspires our menu and reflects the values at the heart of our kitchen.
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Every dish is prepared fresh to order, ensuring guests enjoy a true farm-to-fork experience from the moment their plate arrives. Each meal carries the story of our growers, our cooks, and the care woven through every step—bringing bold flavours, honest ingredients, and a vibrant sense of local pride to your table.