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.
Any fan of The Great British Bake Off will instantly recognise Dylan Bachelet and his big, beaming smile. Not only did he wow audiences and judges alike with his intricate, cleverly conceived bakes, but he was an endearing presence throughout this year’s series with his infectious laugh and palpable enthusiasm for food. It was a delight, therefore, to see him get all the way to the final at just 20 years old. Since his time on the show, Dylan has started work as a Chef de Partie at One MICHELIN Star London restaurant The Five Fields. All of this makes him the ideal person to give us his London recommendations – including where to find the most delicious baked goodies!
What’s your favourite MICHELIN Guide restaurant in London?
I haven’t had a lot of opportunity to dine out at many MICHELIN-rated restaurants, but I did have a really memorable meal at Kiln in Soho. The open kitchen is great and gives you a chance to interact with all the team – great for a curious diner like myself. Sabor, too, has a great buzz and there was a pork dish which really stands out in my memory.
Where would you go to grab a quick bite?
I really like Proper Tacos at Nag’s Head Market in Islington.Where would you go for a celebration or night out?
Apart from The Five Fields, where I have just started as Chef de Partie, the one place I would really like to try is Ikoyi. I love Jeremy Chan’s objective outlook on ingredients, disregarding norms or traditions in lieu of flavour.
How do you like to spend your free time in London?
My grandmother’s house in Wembley. It’s always been my home away from home with traditional Gujarati cooking and the most amazing dry store pantry full of every imaginable spice (and some you may not even imagine). It’s like walking into Narnia!Where’s best for baked goods?
It’s difficult to say best, but I am a big fan of the croissants at Pophams. Dusty Knuckle does incredible bread and Santa Nata for pastel de nata. Oh, and of course St. JOHN Bakery for next-level doughnuts!
How have you found working at The Five Fields, a One MICHELIN Star restaurant?
This is my first opportunity to work full time in a MICHELIN Star kitchen and it’s been amazing so far. It was a huge learning curve my first couple of weeks, overseeing a section and the pressure that comes with that, but it’s exciting and is very rewarding to produce food we’re so proud of.
How do you unwind after a busy day at work?
So far, I find it’s difficult to find time to unwind, but usually I get home and enjoy a bowl of yoghurt and honey, ruminate about the day and what I’ve learned and try my best to get to sleep – which isn’t always easy.Address Book
Dusty Knuckle Dalston, Abbot St, London, E8 3DPDusty Knuckle Harringay, 429 Green Lanes, Harringay Ladder, London, N4 1HA
Dusty Knuckle Highbury Fields Van, 42 Highbury Pl, London, N5 1QL
Proper Tacos, Nag’s Head Market, Unit 6, 22 Seven Sisters Rd, London, N7 6AG
Santa Nata, 7 New Row, London, WC2N 4LH
Santa Nata Royal Opera House, 17 Russell St, London, WC2B 5HP
St. JOHN Bakery Arch, 72 Druid St, London, SE1 2HQ
St. JOHN Bakery Borough Corner, Unit 4a, Brandon House, 180 Borough High St, London, SE1 1LH
St. JOHN Bakery Neal's Yard, 3 Neal's Yard, London, WC2H 9DP
Hero Image: © David Cotsworth
