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.
The best way to sum up Jeremy Chan’s accomplishments is to say that Ikoyi has been one of the defining London restaurants of the last five years – and that Jeremy Chan is the chef behind it. Creative, expressive and drawing on West African flavours in a way few British restaurants have done before, Ikoyi has had a huge impact in its relatively short lifetime – for many it is the hottest ticket in town for in-the-know foodies. To create this requires dedication and intensity – but what does someone like Jeremy Chan do in his downtime? And where does someone so celebrated for their cooking like to eat? Read on to find out.
Ikoyi is an innovative, boundary-pushing restaurant. Who else in London do you look to for something different and exciting?
For something different and exciting, I think Max [Coen]’s food at Dorian is some of the best in the city. It may look simple, but there is some very clever and sharp cooking to create delicious but accessible food with well thought-out technique and sourcing.
How do you unwind after a busy day of work?
After a busy day of work, there usually isn’t a lot of time to unwind. I barely have enough time to eat and organise my life! Usually, I prepare and weigh my coffee for the next day’s early rise, beans ready to grind, and a filter set up over my mug. On my days off, I enjoy reading, running through the parks, and perhaps going for a pint at my local in Camberwell.Which London restaurants are perfect for a night out with friends?
For a night out with friends, I like The Guinea Grill for steak and really good sides. It’s very cosy and unpretentious; the steaks are also great!What’s your go-to restaurant when you want to celebrate?
My go-to restaurant in London for a celebration would be Planque. I really love Seb [Myers]’s cooking and there are always amazing wines to choose from.
How do you like to spend your free time in London?
I usually spend my free time cycling, reading and doing some research projects for the restaurant and its recipes. I like to visit the theatre, as London has so much going on, as well as all the art. We are very lucky to have so much rich inspiration around us.If you had one day to show an out-of-towner around London, where would you take them?
I would take them on the architecture tour of the Barbican. It’s one of the most fascinating stories in London's history about how people have lived and still live in this city. You really get into the mind of the architects who designed it and filled it with so many quirky and intricate details that make it much more than just a brutalist building.
Where do you go for a quick bite?
For a quick bite, it would be Theo’s Pizza in Camberwell. It has very no-frills décor and simple, consistent pizzas.Which is your favourite London neighbourhood and why?
Camberwell is by far my favourite neighbourhood. It’s the first neighbourhood I lived in, so I have many memories here. It has a mix of older architecture, Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian, as well as cultures from all over the world. There are also a lot of art students, which gives the area a youthful feel.
Are there any London restaurants you feel a personal connection to?
I feel a personal connection to Silk Road in Camberwell, although I prefer their old décor. It’s the restaurant I’ve been going to the longest since I moved to this city.Address Book
Barbican Centre, Silk St, Barbican, London, EC2Y 8DSSilk Road, 47 Camberwell Church St, London, SE5 8TR
The Guinea Grill, 30 Bruton Pl, London, W1J 6NL
Theo's Pizza, 2 Grove Ln, London, SE5 8SZ
Rome by The MICHELIN Guide
Hero Image: © Jason Alfred Palmer
