The Freak Scene in Parsons Green Set for a Rebrand
Chef Scott Hallsworth to relaunch it as a Japanese 'superdiner
The Freak Scene set to become Freak Momma. Picture: Freak Scene/Instagram
September 22, 2025
Chef and restaurateur Scott Hallsworth is set to close his The Freak Scene restaurant in Parsons Green and reopen the site under a new concept named Freak Momma.
The venue, located on Parsons Green Lane, will be reimagined as a Japanese “superdiner” serving tapas-style dishes, burgers, fried chicken, and what Hallsworth describes as “chaos.” The new concept draws inspiration from the 1994 Sonic Youth album Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star, and is expected to adopt a more informal and grungy aesthetic than its predecessor.
Freak Scene first launched as a pop-up in 2017, following the closure of Hallsworth’s earlier Japanese izakaya venture, Kurobuta. The brand was named after a song by American rock band Dinosaur Jr and was initially assembled in just two weeks using portable stoves and budget furniture. After stints in Farringdon and Soho, Freak Scene opened its first permanent site in Parsons Green in March 2023. A second branch followed in Balham in January 2024.
Hallsworth, originally from Western Australia, previously served as head chef at Nobu London and later founded Kurobuta, which operated in Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and Marble Arch before closing in 2017. His restaurants have been known for their irreverent approach to pan-Asian cuisine, often blending Japanese and Southeast Asian influences with bold presentation and informal service.
The rebranding of Freak Scene to Freak Momma marks the second major shift in Hallsworth’s portfolio in recent months. In August, he announced that his Balham-based Casual Leopard restaurant would be relaunched as Kuroyoko, a Japanese venue with a more relaxed tone.
Freak Momma is expected to open later this autumn.
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