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.
There are few people in the restaurant world busier than Jason Atherton. In 2024, he revamped his London empire with a suite of new restaurants across the capital. A MICHELIN Star soon followed for his new flagship, Row on 5, a collaboration with Spencer Metzger that offers a truly luxury experience with exceptional produce and equally impressive execution. Atherton is one of that rare breed who are as skilled as a restaurateur as they are a chef – someone who understands the London dining scene better than most. Here, he shares his top tips for eating out in the capital, and why London has become his home.
Which London restaurants are perfect for a night out with friends?
I recommend Josephine, by my good friend Claude Bosi, on Fulham Road, for its great atmosphere and food, and Sabor on Heddon Street for delicious shareable plates. Both are spot-on if you're looking for a diverse and eclectic dining experience that truly captures the essence of London's food scene.
Claude Bosi's Josephine Bouchon is one of the best places in London for authentic French cuisine. © Sam Harris
Where would you recommend for a romantic date?
I highly recommend The Ledbury. I celebrated my birthday there and it offers a very intimate dining experience. Brett Graham's restaurants are always exceptional, showcasing his determination to achieve Three MICHELIN Stars. CORE by Clare Smyth is also a fantastic choice, with incredible food that honours the first female Three-MICHELIN-Star chef [in the UK] – and I celebrate that we both came from the same roots, starting with Gordon Ramsay.Where do you go for a quick bite?
I recommend Plaza Khao Gaeng on Tottenham Court Road for incredible Thai food that transports you straight to the heart of Bangkok. It’s affordable, full of flavour and the décor and vibe create a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you walk through the door.
Plaza Khao Gaeng is one of London's Bib Gourmand spots offering great value for money. © Marcus Cobden
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You’ve opened restaurants all over the world. What’s your favourite thing about working in London?
London is home to me. Moving here in 1987, dining in MICHELIN Guide restaurants was once reserved for the elite, but I've seen the industry flourish and evolve into a more modern, diverse food scene – London and The MICHELIN Guide have come such a long way.Are there any London restaurants you feel a personal connection to?
I feel a personal connection to our newly MICHELIN-recommended restaurant, Three Darlings – it’s the first time we’ve named a restaurant after our daughters. They were born and raised in Chelsea, so it’s incredibly special to have a place that reflects that. We offer everything from brunch and lunch to supper clubs.
Three Darlings is a Chelsea neighbourhood restaurant named after Jason and Irha Atherton's daughters. © Three Darlings
You operate several restaurants, in different parts of the city; do you enjoy spreading your time across multiple places and multiple neighbourhoods?
Of course! The West End has become a neighbourhood; Shoreditch has blossomed into a vibrant, diverse area; south London is home to amazing bakeries and pubs; and north London is incredibly trendy. It's incredible to witness everything happening across the city. You could live several lifetimes and still never have enough time to explore it all.Do you have a favourite London hotel?
Yes, our favourite is The Connaught. My wife and I often go there on Friday nights for a couple of cocktails. I love that you can choose to be fancy or relax and snuggle into the hidden-away pink bar [Red Room] for a more chilled evening.The Connaught is one of our picks for London's Best Hotel Cocktail Bars.
The Connaught Bar is beloved by both Jason Atherton and a host of other top chefs. © The Connaught
How do you unwind after a busy day of work?
I leave my phone, make a big cup of Yorkshire Tea and watch sport.Do you have a favourite sustainable spot in the city?
We always get our lettuces and herbs from Crate to Plate in Elephant & Castle. It's located in an old tube station and we love supporting their commitment to sustainability.Where do you like to buy produce in London?
I still love Borough Market for fresh produce – it's a great spot, especially with all the new restaurants and bakeries like OMA and Monmouth Coffee Company surrounding it.
Situated on the edge of Borough Market, OMA is one of the best Greek restaurants in the UK. © Gilles Draps
If you had one day to show an out-of-towner around London, where would you take them?
I’d start with coffee from The Service on Savile Row, then whisk them away for a tour of Borough Market with a couple of tapas bites from OMA. For lunch, I’d take them to AngloThai, run by my good friend John [Chantarasak] – it’s his dream restaurant, and he’s crushing it after earning a MICHELIN Star within just three months. We’d then walk off lunch in Shoreditch, soaking in the incredible diversity and vibrancy of the area. Finally, I’d take them to Row on 5, put on my chef jacket, and personally cook them our 15-course taster menu, capping off the evening with a negroni at The Connaught.
AngloThai is a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant run by Jason Atherton's friend John Chantarasak. © Ben Broomfield
How would you characterise the London food scene of today?
Although the London food scene is tough right now with inflation and rising energy costs, and restaurants, chefs and hotels are all battling these challenges, it never suppresses the positivity and determination of the younger generation and aspiring chefs which makes me proud of our industry.Address Book
Borough Market, Borough High St, London, SE1 9ALMonmouth Coffee Company, 2 Park St, London, SE1 9AB
The Service, 19 Savile Row, London, W1S 3PP
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