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.
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 Kerridge’s Bar & Grill inside the Corinthia Hotel, which holds Two MICHELIN Keys.
Where do you like to go for a celebration?
“Bibendum is the ultimate in top-end dining, in the most plush and beautiful building. It’s a wonderful restaurant, headed by the great Claude Bosi: first-rate produce, immaculate presentation and the ultimate night out.”
Bibendum, named after the Michelin Man himself, is located inside the old Michelin HQ, a building which has housed some form of restaurant for decades. Today, the much-lauded Claude Bosi is at the helm, producing Two Star cooking that uses impeccable French techniques to get the most out of exceptional British ingredients.
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.”Awarded its first MICHELIN Star in 2024, Mountain is currently one of the hottest tickets in town. Serving an irresistible selection of sharing plates cooked over fire, it is a destination with not just great food but a great atmosphere too. If you’re new to London and want to get a feel for its culinary zeitgeist, this is the place to go.
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.”Named after its Chef-Owner José Pizarro (who, funnily enough, also runs Pizarro up the road), José is a great value spot that’s been recognised with a Bib Gourmand. Both the room and the food have a non-nonsense approach, with the focus on flavour-packed tapas. It’s just one of many fantastic restaurants in and around Borough Market.
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 favourite London pub?
“Harwood Arms. Brilliant food with a huge nod to great British produce. It’s a long-standing favourite of mine.”
What do you like to do when you're in London?
“I’m a big fan of art. If you have the chance, always pop into galleries as you are walking by, even the ones where you have to ring the doorbell to get in – don’t be intimidated! I particularly like the Tate Modern. Walk over Millennium Bridge from the City side and past the Anthony Caro sculptures, which I have a personal connection to as my wife Beth was part of the design team. The turbine hall changes throughout the year and it’s a great exhibition space for modern contemporary artists. Go and lose yourself for a couple of hours.”
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!”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!”What is your top sustainable spot?
“Kew Gardens is a fantastic hub for those with a botanical interest. It’s amazing to find such a tranquil and pretty place in that part of west London.”
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.”Do you have a London hotel recommendation?
“The new Peninsula hotel is an outstanding building with a fantastic rooftop bar with great views. A luxury treat!”Luxury is certainly the right word for The Peninsula, which holds our highest hotel honour of Three Keys.
Address Book
Books for Cooks, 4 Blenheim Cres, London, W11 1NNHampstead Heath Mixed Bathing Ponds, Hampstead Heath, London, NW5 1QR
Kew Gardens, Richmond, London (Victoria Gate – TW9 3JR; Elizabeth Gate – TW9 3AE; Brentford Gate – TW9 3AF; Lion Gate – TW9 2DF)
Maltby Street Market, Arch 46, Ropewalk, Maltby St, London, SE1 3PA
Tate Modern, Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
Hero Image: © Kerridge’s Bar & Grill/Cristian Barnett
