Where London’s best chefs eat out in the capital
The finest culinary hang-outs right now, according to those in the know...
They spend their whole week grilling, sizzling and frying up gastronomic goods for the capital’s famished punters. But, when they’re away from the pass, where do London’s upper echelon of chefs head to for a bite and a carafe (or three)? From an art deco hangout to an upmarket Chinese eatery, here are the hidden haunts where the experts go…
Jason Atherton, chef proprietor of The Social Company
“Most places are closed by the time I’ve finished service, but going to eat with the team after a shift is always a treat. Brasserie Zédel is great for a quick bite and stays open until midnight – plus it’s only minutes away from my central London restaurants. I go for the duck confit with a glass of lovely burgundy.”
20 Sherwood St, Soho, London W1F 7ED. brasseriezedel.com
Skye Gyngell, chef-patron of Spring
“For special occasions, I love to eat at River Café; I feel really at home there and it’s close to where I live in Shepherd’s Bush. I especially love their pasta and Dover sole from the wood fired oven. Rochelle Canteen at the Institute of Culinary Arts is also really great. It opened last year and the menu changes quite frequently, but what I like about it the most is the simplicity of the food – it’s just properly delicious and very real and accessible. Lyle’s is another favourite of mine, I love James Lowes’ cooking there as well as the space. I love eating there at lunch time but also really enjoy the guest series. The Bone Marrow curry at Hoppers is exceptional, I’ll go there especially for that.”
Thames Wharf, Rainville Rd, Hammersmith, London W6 9HA. rivercafe.co.uk
Ben Tish, former chef director for the Salt Yard Group and current culinary director at The Stafford London
“My current favourite spot is Kettner’s Townhouse. I love what Nick Jones and Soho House have done with this iconic restaurant and it’s rocking, very stylish, laid back and cool. I’d order Toulouse sausage with truffle-mash and kale (with extra truffle as a treat), alongside a glass of picpoul.”
29 Romilly St, Soho, London W1D 5HP. kettnerstownhouse.com
Daren Liew, former executive sous chef with the Hakkasan Group and current head chef of Duddell’s
“My favourite restaurant to eat at when I’m not at work is Club Gascon by Smithfield Market. I love their tasting menu and you really tell how much attention they pay in sourcing and working with their ingredients. We also love our neighbourhood restaurant Padella! It’s the perfect place to have great homemade pasta and their sauces are a standout. The pici cacio e pepe is everyone’s favourite.”
57 W Smithfield, London EC1A 9DS. clubgascon.com
Monica Galetti, chef-owner of Mere
“I like to go to our local Thai in Cheam Village called Regional Thai Taste. They make my favourite Thai green curry and it’s small and quaint. Service is friendly and it’s just a nice place to relax with my family on a day off.”
15 The Broadway, Cheam SM3 8BH. regionalthai.co.uk
Richard Turner, executive chef at the Hawksmoor Group
“I like casual but tasty food, and St John is where I like to go after work. The devilled kidneys on toast is one of the most delicious dishes in London. Failing that Black Ax Mangal or Quality Chop House are both cooking up a storm.”
94-96 Commercial St, London E1 6LZ. stjohnrestaurant.com
Tom Aikens, founder of Tom's Kitchen
“I often go to China Tang at The Dorchester. It’s close to home, serves food until late, the bar creates a great atmosphere, and it’s perfect after a busy night in the kitchen. I love dim sum, and the China Tang roast pork buns are exactly what I crave at the end of a long day.”
53 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA. chinatanglondon.co.uk
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