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.
It’s impossible to discuss Thomas Straker without mentioning his enormous internet fame. His accessible recipes and technical tips have seen the softly spoken chef amass 2.5 million followers apiece on Instagram and TikTok. Yet Thomas is much more than a viral sensation; he’s also the founder of Straker’s, a neighbourhood restaurant on Notting Hill’s Golborne Road. The mission here is simple: to cook the food that people, including Thomas, really want to eat. Take one look at the menu and you will see his stripped-back ethos that removes fussiness and replaces it with a focus on the natural flavours of the ingredients. It may give some indication as to the restaurants Thomas himself enjoys visiting around London – but you’ll have to read on to find out for sure.
Where do you like to go for a celebration?
“I’m super passionate about Plaza Khao Gaeng, tucked away in the Arcade Food Hall just off New Oxford Street. It’s a simple and high-octane celebration of Southern Thailand’s coast-to-jungle cuisine. Dishes like their massaman curry go best with an ice-cold Coke or Singha beer.”
Thomas is onto something here. Plaza Khao Gaeng is one of those restaurants where you really get some bang for your buck. Awarded a Bib Gourmand, it’s a great value spot where every dish is bursting with flavour.
What's a good spot for a quick bite?
“Now to Northern Thailand with Kiln, nestled in the heart of Soho. I am blown away by its wood-fired cooking, with dishes crafted from the freshest British produce and infused with the intense, smoky flavours of traditional Thai cuisine. The open kitchen at Kiln invites you right into the heart of the action, where you can watch as the chefs skilfully balance searing spices with fragrant herbs. I love the experience as it feels both raw and refined. From the moment you taste the clay pot baked glass noodles to the first bite of the cumin-spiced pork belly, each dish is an adventure. An absolute must-visit.”Kiln is one of a number of Bib Gourmand restaurants in Soho, which together represent the diverse culinary spread of one of London’s most popular neighbourhoods.
Where would you recommend for a romantic date?
"River Café. Elegant, with a sense of occasion, this is the ultimate power dining room. The riverside views of the Thames are stunning and set the scene beautifully. Don’t miss the negronis or the ‘rombo al forno’ (turbot tranche wood-roasted with potatoes, Amalfi lemon and courgette).”This London institution is enduringly popular for a reason. Its simple, ingredient-led philosophy delivers time and again, making it one of the best Italians in London.
Do you have a favourite market?
“Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market is always fresh and full of seasonal bits. It’s not far from my restaurant, Straker’s; it’s reflective of West London’s diverse melting pot of cultures; and it's one of my go-tos for fresh produce. Go early.”
What's your favourite London pub?
“The Cow in Notting Hill. This place exudes a laid-back yet vibrant vibe that's perfect for both solo visits or hanging out with friends. Their oysters are a stand-out, complemented perfectly by a refreshing Guinness or your drink of choice. It's the ultimate spot to unwind and has a great buzz. The Guinness is the best in London, as Petro takes pride in having the best beer lines in town. The food is simple and delicious. I often order half a pint of prawns, six native oysters and a crab tagliolini – seafood heaven.”
Which is your favourite area of London?
“West London. I chose Golborne Road to open my first restaurant, and like many streets in West London, it embodies the spirit of openness and cultural richness with the perfect laid-back neighbourhood feel.”Which museums and galleries do you like to visit?
“The National Gallery. Not only is the building unbelievable, but I studied History of Art, and The National Gallery is a reminder of the breadth of works on offer to see in London, from the impressionist movement to pop art. The last exhibition I saw there was by David Hockney.”
Where can people find a good green space in the city?
“I really like Westbourne Green Open Space as it has a great outdoor gym set-up, where people work out every day. It’s just very unpretentious (unlike your typical high-end gyms where people spend more time on their phones than working out), and a space for fitness enthusiasts to get their workout done while being surrounded by lush trees and gardens.”What's your favourite sustainable spot in London?
"I love foraging along the canal. It’s not a sustainable spot per se, but I don’t think there’s anything better than getting on a bike and cycling down canal paths to collect fresh elderberries. Wild garlic and nettles are also readily available in our towns and cities, you just need to get out and explore.”What's your top London bar?
“The Connaught Bar is a great place to sit down, relax and enjoy a martini.”
How do you like to spend your free time in the city?
“I love running and train regularly. It’s the best way to see the city and an essential part of my fitness routine to decompress as well as stay physically fit. I recently ran the London Marathon and host early morning run clubs at Straker’s too.”Do you have any hotels you'd recommend?
“The Berkeley in Knightsbridge. It has a great renovated spa and pool, not to mention Cédric Grolet’s showstopper pastries and his famous trompe-l'œil fruits.”Not only is The Berkeley a Two MICHELIN Key hotel, but its Cédric Grolet bakery is one of our picks for the best in London.
Address Book
Queen’s Park Farmers’ Market, Salusbury Primary School, Salusbury Rd, London, NW6 6RGThe Cow, 89 Westbourne Park Rd, London, W2 5QH
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN
Westbourne Green Open Space, 157 Bourne Terrace, London, W2 6PB
Hero Image: © Tom Cokram
Thumbnail Image: © Lily Bertrand Webb
