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.
Adam Handling has achieved a lot for a chef who’s just 36 years old. He’s started his career with an apprenticeship at the famous Gleneagles; he’s made his name on TV with a Great British Menu win; he’s opened his own restaurant, Frog by Adam Handling, and won a MICHELIN Star for it; and then he’s expanded his empire to include three more MICHELIN Guide recommended restaurants. And that’s not mentioning the MBE he received in the midst of it all. A Scot by birth, London is now firmly his home, with Cornwall a second home of sorts thanks to his openings at Ugly Butterfly by Adam Handling and The Tartan Fox. Here, we get the inside track on everything Adam Handling loves about London.
What is your go-to restaurant for a celebration?
Always Hélène Darroze at The Connaught. Every time I go it feels like I’m going back home – everyone on the team knows my likes and dislikes; it really has the best service in London. They know how to make everyone feel welcome there. It’s so luxurious, but we only go for celebrations as it’s expensive, pampering food.
Where would you recommend for a night out with friends?
Definitely Dorian in Notting Hill. The food is always incredibly tasty, I like the informality and it’s nice and loud! Max Coen the Head Chef and owner Chris D'Sylva and their team know what they’re doing, and it’s exactly my style of eating. And there’s a phenomenal wine list. It’s very chilled, a place I would go every day if I wasn’t so busy in my own restaurants!Where would you recommend for a romantic date?
The Ritz, always, but go at the weekend because they have live music performances. You have to dress up to go – there’s a strict dress code – but that makes it a really proper date place.
Where can people find a good green space in the city?
There are two favourite places for me. Hackney Marshes – it’s a beautiful green spot in an urban area, it’s pretty big and it’s where I forage for things like meadowsweet. And along the riverside of the Thames in Barnes where I live. It’s beautifully green and very quiet and right on my doorstep. I forage there for wildflowers and elderflower.Do you have a favourite London hotel?
It has to be Claridge’s, doesn’t it? You just bask in its British luxury, and whether you go for afternoon tea, lunch or dinner, it’s always good.
What’s your favourite bar in London?
I’ve got three favourites: The Connaught Bar if I’m wanting to show off about my martini knowledge; Kwãnt – what Eric Lorincz is doing is fantastic in the cocktail world; and Dover Yard at 1 Hotel Mayfair – I go there all the time. It’s a great bar, and I really rate Head Barman Marco Grisafi.You’re not originally from London and you operate restaurants in other parts of the country too. What do you miss most about London when you’re elsewhere?
I’m Scottish but London is my home. I love that there’s a restaurant on every corner, MICHELIN Starred or not you’re bound to find good quality ingredients even in neighbourhood restaurants. There are some local gems, like Trinity for example, that you just don’t find outside the capital, but it’s the sheer choice of eating options that makes me miss London so much when I’m not there.
What’s your favourite thing to do in London?
The only thing I do in London is eat and drink! I’m eating out whenever I’m not working because London for me is the food capital of the world, and as my free time is scarce, I make the most of it. I’m out for lunch and dinner whenever I get the chance.Address Book
Dover Yard, 1 Hotel Mayfair, 3 Berkeley St, London, W1J 8DLHackney Marshes, London, E10 5SG
Kwãnt, 52 Stratton St, London, W1J 8LN
The Connaught Bar, The Connaught, 16 Carlos Pl, London, W1K 2AL
Rome by The MICHELIN Guide
Hero Image: © Jason Alfred Palmer
