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 chefs with an international reputation quite like Hélène Darroze. She may be a French culinary icon, but it’s London that’s home to her most garlanded restaurant. Hélène Darroze at The Connaught’s continued retention of Three MICHELIN Stars is testament to the enduring appeal of Hélène’s cooking, an art form she has mastered and evolved through the years to continually impress her many loyal diners. So, who better to get restaurant recommendations from than one of the world’s most acclaimed chefs? Read on for Hélène’s top tips for visiting London.
What is your go-to restaurant for a celebration?
“CORE by Clare Smyth. Clare relies on using the finest British ingredients, sourced from all regions of the UK. It’s a beautiful cuisine full of emotion.”From one Three Star chef to another, Hélène is full of praise for the brilliant Clare Smyth. Find out what Clare herself chose for her top London recommendations.
As a French chef with a restaurant in London, where do you think are the best places for French food in the city?
“Josephine by Claude Bosi. The restaurant is an homage to his upbringing, showcasing the best of a particular French culinary tradition – the Lyonnaise bouchon. Lovely ambience, great ingredients treated well and served with no fuss. Classical, simple brilliance.”Josephine has been a hit ever since it opened, providing hearty, soul-warming food in classic bouchon surroundings. It is a prime example of the many fantastic French bistros and brasseries around London – of which we’ve compiled a list of our favourites.
Which is your favourite area of London?
“Notting Hill because of its beautiful Victorian houses, its famous antique market (Portobello Road Market) and its tranquil atmosphere.”Portobello Road Market (and indeed the entirety of Notting Hill) are beloved of so many Londoners. That’s why we’ve called Portobello Road one of our best markets in London. Check out all our Notting Hill restaurant recommendations too.
What’s your favourite bar in London?
“Visit The Connaught Bar in Mayfair and enter a different realm. It's so elegant and offers some of the most sophisticated cocktails in the city.”It’s no surprise that Hélène has picked the renowned cocktail bar in The Connaught, a hotel with which she has enjoyed a long and fruitful collaboration. Hélène Darroze at The Connaught is unique among the UK’s Three Star restaurants for also sitting within a Three MICHELIN Key hotel. Want to see the full list of London’s Three Key hotels? We’ve got you covered.
Where can people find a good green space in the city?
“Everywhere from Hyde Park to Green Park.”
Do you have a favourite London market?
“Borough Market offers organic products sold exclusively by carefully selected small producers. I do my shopping there before settling around the stalls and grabbing some fish & chips on the street. It’s a very popular spot.”Like the sound of a visit to Borough Market? It’s also packed with brilliant restaurants – and here are our Inspectors’ favourites.
What is your favourite theatre/cinema in London?
“The Electric is one of the oldest cinemas in London, located on Portobello Road in Notting Hill. You can watch films while seated in large leather club chairs with footrests.”Address Book
Borough Market, London, SE1 9ALElectric Cinema, 191 Portobello Rd, London, W11 2ED
Green Park, London, SW1A 1AA
Hyde Park, London, W2 2UH
Portobello Road Market, London, W11 1LJ
