In our regular series, we ask famous chefs and personalities to tell us all about ‘their London’. From top tips on where to dine in the city, to their personal haunts ranging from bakeries to book shops, we’ve got the inside track on London’s premier spots from the people who know it best.
Over the course of his career, Tom Kerridge has steadily become a titan of the British hospitality industry and is now one of the most famous chefs in the UK. Appearing on our TV screens for over a decade and producing fine work in the kitchen for an awful lot longer, he is perhaps best known for taking British pub cooking to a level few have ever achieved. At his flagship inn, The Hand and Flowers in Marlow, he holds Two MICHELIN Stars for his skilful take on traditional favourites; just up the road, he runs its relaxed little sibling The Coach, which holds a Star of its own. In London, he can be found at The Chalk Freehouse and Kerridge’s Bar & Grill inside the Corinthia Hotel, which holds Two MICHELIN Keys.
Are there any recent London openings that you’ve been impressed by?
I went to Labombe by Trivet, which was fantastic, and I’ve been to Legado which was also really good over in Shoreditch – both of which have won a Star this year. And also one of the most exciting restaurants I’ve been to in the last year, even though it’s not that new, is Dorian. I just thought it was fantastic.
You’re known for your impact on British pub cooking. Away from work, do you like to eat in other pubs or go for something different?
To be honest, dining rooms and pubs are very similar now. Those restaurants I’ve mentioned are high-energy, vibey spaces; they’re not necessarily hushed temples of gastronomy (which I also absolutely love) but those dining rooms have a vibrancy that could be in a pub. I like anywhere with good energy, places that buzz.
And do you have a favourite London pub when you do go to one?
“The Harwood Arms. Brilliant food with a huge nod to great British produce. It’s a long-standing favourite of mine.”
You work both in and out of London. What do you enjoy most about visiting the city?
There’s a definite energy to London that’s different and vibrant. It’s multicultural, there’s so many different things going on, there’s just the huge excitement of many different people doing many different things – whether it’s tourists wandering around, people getting about their business or something a little more relaxed, like trips to theatres or galleries.
If you had one day to show a visitor around London, where would you take them?
I think you’ve got to do as much of the tourist stuff as possible, which always sounds really cheesy but it’s definitely something that you’ve got to do. Start down by the Thames so you can see the river; then something like the Tate Modern, which gives you the chance to see St Paul’s Cathedral and some bits and bobs around The City; Borough Market is pretty cool for something to eat and there’s a really good buzz; I think you’ve got to do Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden; and a walk down Pall Mall all the way down to Buckingham Palace would be pretty cool; then wander over to Hyde Park and have afternoon tea somewhere posh like The Peninsula hotel.
Which is your favourite area of London?
“I lived in Crouch End for eight years and will always have a soft spot in my heart for it. It’s a lovely little community with great pubs, super local restaurants and a very special little vibe. North London in general, I found, was the most exciting place for food and community, whether it was Camden, Kentish Town or Primrose Hill.”
What’s a good place for a quick bite?
“José on Bermondsey Street serves brilliant Spanish tapas – great food cooked with heart and soul. The dishes have massive depth of flavour and whilst it’s great as a local neighbourhood drop-in, it’s also well worth a trip across London.”
Where do you go for a night out with friends?
“Mountain has a fantastic Soho vibe and celebrates incredible produce, cooked with the utmost respect, care and love. It’s perfect to just drop in and have a seat at the bar, but also to book as a special place to meet up with friends. A relaxed vibe but very special.”
Where can you find a great green space in London?
“Having lived in North London for about 10 years, any green space in an absolute bonus. A good wander by Hampstead Ponds on a summer’s day is brilliant. Take a picnic and enjoy the sunshine!”
Do you have a favourite market in London?
“Maltby Street Market is a great place to go, with brilliant drop-in restaurants, nice sandwiches and good coffee. A good vibe in a cool part of London.”
What’s your number one book shop in the city?
“Books for Cooks in Notting Hill. It’s a brilliant shop that ticks two boxes for me: great food-related literature and a lovely cup of coffee!”
Michel Roux
Hero Image: Tom Kerridge, the man behind The Hand and Flowers and other top British restaurants. © Kerridge’s Bar & Grill/Cristian Barnett
