Aylmer Aaharn
David co-founded Aylmer Aaharn with Simon Dewhurst in 2013. Aylmer Aaharn is a multi-national Thai food group. Operations include the farming and sourcing of authentic Thai ingredients, the processing and distribution of selected food products, ownership and operation of various restaurants, bars, and other food retail outlets, all supported by media activities including book publishing and television.
The core of our business is based in Thailand, working with Thais, providing Thai produce, food and manufactured products. Therefore our principles, our philosophical approach, must be firmly rooted in Thai tradition and beliefs. Without going in to too much detail below is a brief history
The Long Chim journey so far
The first Long Chim restaurant was opened at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in late 2014.
In 2015 we opened in Perth (Western Australia) at the refurbished State Buildings.
Mid 2016 came Long Chim Sydney which opened in the heart of the city’s Central Business District.
Melbourne based Crown Casino opened the fourth Long Chim restaurant within its casino complex in late 2016.
A successful pop-up Long Chim restaurant marked the opening of the first RYSE Hotel in Seoul, South Korea in 2017
Dubai Expo launches a 6 month pop up in October 2021
London and Riyadh are slated to open in early 2022
What else do we do? – The group at a glance
Ahaarn Thai Foods - ATF
As mentioned above our operations include the farming and sourcing of authentic Thai ingredients and the processing and distribution of selected food products. This work is carried by the team at Aaharn Thai Foods. From the production of curry pastes to the procurement of palm sugar, spices and Sriracha sauce, so many of the dishes served in our restaurants have components that pass-through ATF. We will talk more about the role they play in our group, later in this document.
Aksorn – Bangkok
Located in the hip historic Charoenkrung neighbourhood in Bangkok, Aksorn is a tribute to the optimism, experimentation and sophistication embraced by the people of Bangkok from the 1940s-1970s. Perched atop The Original Store - a bookstore once upon a time - it seemed only fitting to draw inspiration for the menu from some of Bangkok’s most famous culinary texts.
A place where diners should prepare for the unexpected, with David honouring some of Thailand’s best chefs. The menu changes as frequently as the seasons, but seasonal it is not. Instead, each menu is inspired by a different cookbook penned by the prominent chefs of the time, fusing Thai, Chinese and Western cuisine.
Arundina @ The Tubkaak – Krabi
Appointed under consultancy to re-imagine the dining offer at the flagship Arundina Thai restaurant located within the stunning Tubkaak Resort in Krabi
The chilled beach vibe sets the scene for a laid back luxury dining experience. The elegant dining tables run right down to the soft white sand, a particularly romantic spot for sunset cocktails and dinner.
Aaharn and Armoury Terrace
Aaharn is a world-class exploration of Thai cuisine which opened in Hong Kong in 2018. It was awarded a Michelin star in 2019, which we have since retained, and recognised in the World 50 Best Discovery category in 2021. Aaharn’s cuisine is a tribute to the concept of a Thai “sum rub” or Thai dishes (eaten together) to accompany rice. Guests are meant to feel as if they were dining in a sophisticated Thai home where rice is the center. Aaharn offers Hong Kong unique harder-to-find dishes which are not often served outside of Thailand including various kinds of Lon, Nam Prik, jungle curry, etc. Aaharn uses the best quality ingredients, with herbs and vegetables imported directly from Thailand twice per week.
Situated on the ground floor of the Armoury building below Aaharn lies Armoury Terrace. A relaxed, all-day venue nestled under the mango tree within Tai Kwun’s historic Parade Ground.
Long Dtai – Koh Samui
Encircled by expansive views across the clear waters of the Gulf of Thailand, Long Dtai is located atop the private island of Cape Fahn, just off Choeng Mon Bay on Koh Samui Long Dtai’s food is in the hands of David Thompson, an Australian chef with an international reputation for cooking Thai food. Many of his other restaurants are well known, especially for their food and service, popular with critics but more importantly with happy customers Long Dtai is his first venture into Southern Thailand and its food Long Dtai is destined to become the most well-respected destination Southern Thai restaurant on the beautiful island of Koh Samui.
Leadership team
Simon Dewhurst- Chief Executive Officer
Based in Hong Kong since 1994, Simon is a qualified chartered accountant. His career has spanned senior management roles in media, investment banking, gaming, hotel and F&B development. Simon co-founded Aylmer Capital in 2012 where he led hospitality investments in Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and Australia. Simon is responsible for the day to day management of Aylmer Aaharn and overseas all design development matters for the group
Jacques Dejardin – Managing Director
Over 20 years of hospitality experience, from washing pots, to leading restaurant roll outs, Jacques has spent his whole career on the front line of f+b operations. Between 2010-2014 as Operations Director for Jamie Oliver Restaurants, Jacques developed a number of concepts. He has lead restaurant launches for Richard Corrigan, Jean-Georges, MEATliquor and Gaucho, to name but a few. In 2014 Jacques established The Blind Group in Singapore, launching Oxwell & Co, MEATliquor, Operation Dagger (voted in World 50 Best Bars 4 years in a row) and Ulu Cliffhouse in Uluwatu Bali. Jacques is responsible for all day to day management of the Long Chim businesses, including all operational, financial, HR, marketing and PR matters for the wider restaurant group.