In our new regular series, we will be asking 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.
Andrew Wong is a chef who, frankly, should need no introduction – but let’s give him one anyway. As the Chef-Owner of the Two MICHELIN Star restaurant A. Wong, Andrew has helped to transform the way British diners view Chinese food. His restaurant draws on influences from all over China to deliver a highly original multi-course experience that showcases an impressive array of techniques and ingredients. Here, this inspirational chef tells us all about the places that inspire him.
Where do you go for a quick bite?
“It’s amazing to see Sri Lankan food celebrated at Hoppers, and I love the magic of the egg hoppers. Even though the brand now has multiple sites, each restaurant still retains a warm neighbourhood feel.”
Andrew’s not the only person who loves Hoppers. Recognised with a Bib Gourmand for its great quality, great value cooking, the Sri Lankan-inspired restaurant has been delighting London’s diners for years with dishes ranging from kothu to kari.
Hoppers founder Karan Gokani has also taken part in our My London series. Check out all of his recommendations.
Which restaurant would you recommend for a celebration?
“Brooklands is a wonderful partnership between Claude Bosi and Francesco Dibenedetto. The dishes have Claude’s depth of flavour and umami, paired with Francesco’s light touch. I like their new way of serving dishes in multiple collections – and it has an incredible bar.”Awarded Two Stars shortly after opening, Brooklands impressed the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors as much as it impressed Andrew. Francesco, who previously led the kitchen at Claude Bosi at Bibendum, has done a sterling job at Brooklands too; his cooking is intricate, visually sumptuous and, above all, delicious.
Do you have a personal connection to any London restaurants?
“Hakkasan Hanway Place is such an important restaurant for me personally. 25 years ago, when it first opened, it changed the way London looked at and perceived Chinese cuisine.”Now a global brand with restaurants from Abu Dhabi to Miami, the Hakkasan journey started right here in London. As Andrew says, it changed the face of Chinese cuisine in London, which had long been the preserve of westernised takeaways. This shifting perception of Chinese cooking is now being led by Andrew himself.
Which London hotel would you recommend?
“The Peninsula, because of its personal connection to me. Originally a Brit went to Hong Kong, opened a hotel and now he’s become an icon in Asia.”We can certainly agree with Andrew on his love of The Peninsula. Awarded Three MICHELIN Keys, it's one of London's finest hotels.
What's your favourite bakery in the city?
“Poilâne in Victoria is the most famous bakery in the world. We watched Apollonia grow the business when she took over from her parents. She still has a tiny shop on Elizabeth Street in Victoria and bakes downstairs in a tiny unit (we did a tour at one point). It now ships around the world to Hong Kong and Tokyo, all from Victoria.”Do you have a favourite café?
“Ben Venuti is at the back of A. Wong. It’s a tiny coffee shop run by two Italians who are there every single minute of every day. We watched it grow from a site no one wanted to touch, and now it’s always busy and has a lovely warm smell of roasted coffee, fresh pasta and cannoli.”Which markets do you like to visit?
“Chinatown is still the hub for getting an array of ingredients from Hong Kong, China and all of Southeast Asia. It’s also the one place in London where the Chinese have managed to hold onto a sense of community.”
Which is your favourite area of London?
“Pimlico, otherwise known as deep southern Knightsbridge. We still have small, independent shops, market traders, books, bread makers, patisseries and breakfast spots, and we all know each other.”Where can people find a good green space in the city?
“Battersea Park. Location wise, it’s a wonderful balance of being on the riverside and being close to central London. It’s very family orientated with a picnic area as well as bike riding around the outside – it’s the ultimate park for a day out. The revamped Battersea Power Station is close now for lunch as well.”Which spas would you recommend?
“AIRE Ancient Baths has Roman-style baths near Covent Garden where you can bathe in red wine.”Do you have a favourite London gallery?
“I love the Victoria and Albert Museum, because secretly I wanted to be a tailor. I really like suits, and I’m interested in how they are made and the craftsmanship used. I also like the National Portrait Gallery because it’s got a lovely mix of contemporary and classical paintings. Each year, it hosts The Portrait Award, which showcases modern artists.”
Address Book
AIRE Ancient Baths, 2-3 Robert St, London, WC2N 6BHBattersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ
Ben Venuti, 34 Upper Tachbrook St, Pimlico, London, SW1V 1SW
Chinatown, London, W1D 5QA
National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin's Pl, London, WC2H 0HE
Poilâne, 46 Elizabeth St, London, SW1W 9PA
Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, London, SW7 2RL
Hero Image: © A. Wong/Jutta Klee
