Muse by Tom Aikens streamlines kitchen labelling with Labl.it
A Michelin kitchen built on seasonality and precision
“Labelling is the bug bear of a lot of chefs in the kitchen because it takes a lot of time.”
Tom, Chef and Owner at Muse by Tom Aikens
Muse by Tom Aikens is the flagship restaurant of renowned chef Tom Aikens, who has spent more than three decades working in professional kitchens. Located in Belgravia, the restaurant is known for its highly creative approach to modern fine dining.
The menu at Muse by Tom Aikens evolves constantly, with dishes built around seasonal ingredients and personal stories behind each creation. This approach means the kitchen works with a wide range of fresh produce that changes frequently throughout the year.
Alongside creativity, however, the kitchen must maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. As with any professional kitchen, labelling ingredients correctly with expiry dates, storage information, and allergen details is a daily requirement.
For a busy team working across kitchens on multiple floors, maintaining accurate labels using manual methods can take valuable time.
The problem
Handwritten labels slowed down the kitchen
Before introducing Labl.it, the Muse kitchen relied on traditional handwritten labels using tape and marker pens.
While this method is widely used across the hospitality industry, it can be time-consuming and inconsistent. Each chef at Muse by Tom Aikens is responsible for labelling the products they prepare, meaning the process is repeated many times throughout the day across different kitchen stations.
Handwritten labels can also create challenges when information is unclear or difficult to read. Human error, forgotten dates, or inconsistent formatting can make it harder to maintain the clear, reliable records required in professional kitchens.
With large volumes of ingredients moving through fridges, freezers, and storage areas, the team needed a way to simplify the process while maintaining the highest food safety standards.
The solution
A structured labelling system across the kitchen
Labl.it introduced a simple and reliable labelling process that could be used across all sections of the Muse kitchen.
The system allows chefs to generate clear printed labels that include preparation dates, use-by information, and storage details. Labels can also be organised by kitchen section, making it easier for teams working across different areas such as hot kitchen, pastry, and dry store.
Because different products require different storage times depending on whether they are kept chilled, frozen, or dry stored, the system allows the team to manage these variations accurately and with ease.
The machine also enables more detailed information to be included when required, such as allergen details for dishes that contain multiple ingredients.
Importantly, the system helps the team keep track of expiry dates by providing reminders when products need to be used.
The result
Faster labelling and greater confidence in food safety
Since introducing Labl.it, the Muse kitchen has been able to streamline one of the most repetitive but essential parts of daily kitchen operations.
Printed labels remove the issue of illegible handwriting and help ensure that important information is always clear and consistent. At the same time, chefs spend less time writing labels manually and more time focusing on preparation and service.
The system also provides additional reassurance that products are being monitored correctly throughout their storage life.
“The reason why we have changed over to Labl.it is to eradicate any mistakes, but also, most importantly, to save a lot of time.”
Tom, Chef and Owner at Muse by Tom Aikens
For a Michelin-starred kitchen where precision matters in every detail, Labl.it has become a practical tool that supports both efficiency and compliance, helping the team maintain the high standards expected in a fine dining environment.
