Ben Williamson, one of the founding directors and executive chef of Brisbane-based hospitality group Anyday (including Agnes, Biánca, sAme sAme, LOS, hôntô and Agnes Bakery), will showcase his mastery of wood-fired cooking at arkhé on 5 December. Williamson’s career began with Gulf Air in Bahrain, where he curated the in-flight menus and dining experiences for first class passengers, honing his skills in Middle Eastern cuisine. Returning to Australia, Williamson made his mark at acclaimed Brisbane restaurants Enoteca 1889 and Urbane/The Euro before launching the renowned Gerard’s Bistro in 2012, blending Middle Eastern flavours with classical flair. In 2020, Williamson opened Agnes, an exclusively wood-fired restaurant utilising ancient cooking techniques, in the heart of Fortitude Valley. The success of Agnes led to the permanent fixture of Agnes Bakery, expanding the group’s culinary footprint. Williamson went on to spearhead the launch of Bianca, an Italian Trattoria in the Calile hotel complex, situated next to the group’s South-Eastern Thai restaurant sAme sAme. Williamson’s dedication to the evolution of Brisbane’s burgeoning hospitality scene continues through his leadership at Anyday, fostering culinary innovation across its multiple venues AUD300 per person incusive of four-courses, Laphroaig cocktail on arrival and Laphroaig tasting flight, and wine pairings. Bookings limited.