INTERVIEW: Louis Byron - Anti Sautè Sautè Club
Now then Louis, thanks for taking time out to speak to us. Firstly, can you tell us what Anti Sautè Sautè Club means?
“No one knows what it means, but it’s provocative - it gets the people going” but also, I guess it’s a bit of a meme. It’s a rip-off of the streetwear brand ‘Anti Social Social Club’, which got flipped to ‘Anti Shipping Shipping Club’ as they are notorious for not shipping their garms. There a quite a few 'anti' clubs now out in the world, but think we were one of the first.
Where did it all start for you in the kitchen, and who are your culinary inspirations?
I’ve always worked in this industry, starting at the iconic Yankee Burger when I was 15 years old, oh shit - that’s like 22 years ago now! I started in the Front of House, but always liked helping out in the kitchen when chefs were on holiday or absent when I was a restaurant manager - I think I found it more exciting than FOH. In 2012, I managed to blag a head chef job and then just ‘faked it, till I made it’ haha!
In terms of culinary inspiration, Tom Kerridge is my favourite chef. Marco Pierre White and Anthony Bourdain are both up there too. Obvs’ they’re cooking outstanding food, but it’s more about their personalities and the way they conduct themselves within the industry.
The 1990 ITV documentary “Marco” is well worth a watch, it’s on YouTube and there are shit loads of quotable lines in there. Obvs’ I gotta mention my Mum too; she cooks banging food! Lastly, I’ve gotta mention the late-great Pete Warriner, just like the celeb chefs mentioned, he cooked banging food but knew what it was to work in a kitchen and inject humour and energy to get through those long days.
Your relationship with The White Hart seems like a match made in heaven, how did that come about?
Literally, a Christmas pop-up that started in November ‘19 and I never left. The initial idea was to bob about the city doing pop-ups with the new brand, but after a successful first Christmas, I was able to stick around. Then we were lucky enough to take the building next door in August ’21.
The food dished up by yourself and the team Anti Sautè is widely regarded as some of the best scran in the city. What can we expect to see on the menu?
Oh, that’s very kind to say. We’ve been changing up the menu regularly in the last couple of months, we are not sticking to any time frames, if we put something on and it sells - it stays on for longer. If something flops, we pick something new and try our luck with a new dish or burger.
In terms of what we cooked for your visit, I think that’s a good reflection of what’s generally available from us. We’ve become quite ‘famous’ for our Katsu fries, bangin’ burgers and a strong vegan offering. Personally, my favourite foods are Asian, North African, French and American - so I think those flavours and cooking techniques will always be reflected on the menu.
Tell us about your collaborations with members of Hull’s music and arts community.
It’s been quite an exciting part of the business and something that’s flopped off a bit more recently which is a shame. I need to re-energise that side of the business again. The collaboration with the DFC crew started even before Anti Sautè when I was at Atom. I used their DFC/KFC logo for a Valentine’s menu and the relationship started from there.
During COVID local artist, Nohone did us several runs of loyalty cards which were always really fun designs. Both Nohone and Friends on Every Street have helped us out with logo designs. More recently, we’ve done collab burgers with Milchig and the Dirty Donut using their bread for burgers on special menus.
Previously, we’ve also done special menu items in collaboration with local insta influencers @eatswithPetgoth and @plantpoweredadam. I’m currently trying to work with local vintage clothes suppliers to do a merch run on up-cycled tees, let’s hope that one comes off. I am always up for collaborations, so if anyone wants to try anything, hit us up.
Finally, who are your indie recommends for food and drink in the city?
Oh wow, we are spoilt for choice now! Hull has such a rich tapestry of food offerings. I don’t think any of these I mention won’t be off the radar of a Browse Mag reader, but just in case!
The best food is deffo done by The Social Distortion, so catch them at their next pop-up. The Hispanist is up there too, that food is bangin’! In terms of brunchy breakfast stuff; Flour and Feast, Nibble & Next Door never disappoint. In terms of coffee Ginger Beans, Black Market Coffee and Still are all banging! Milchig is great for coffee, sarnies and something sweet. The team at Brain Jar are amazing at cocktails and the hospitality is second to none. More importantly, for beer Atom, 80 Days, Furley&Co and Bone Machine are all up there.
