As a young chef, my ambition was to work in London. When I finished my apprenticeship, I kicked off a stint at a two-star restaurant there (that I won’t name). It was the worst time of my life! It scared me; all I wanted to do was return home. So I did. Fast-forward to today and OMG; I’ve gotten to know London properly and I’ve fallen in love with its beauty. The food scene today is off the charts – there are so many amazing chefs doing great things over there.

1. Tom Kerridge’s The Hand and Flowers in Marlow, slightly out of town, is divine.https://www.instagram.com/p/Bve4kfVANIK/
2. Claude Bosi at Bibendum is incredible. Be sure to check out the stained-glass windows of the iconic Michelin building.
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3. Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham, three hours north of London, is mind-blowing. A truly remarkable experience. Stay on site and totally immerse yourself.https://www.instagram.com/p/BxijFLRlMtx/
4. Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck in Bray, west of London, is my all-time favourite restaurant. Yes, I am a teeny bit biased. Heston is my friend and I love him, but geez, this is a bucket-list experience. The Fat Duck is unparalleled, and the only thing better than the food is the service – the team is elite.
5. Lunch at Pollen Street Social by Jason Atherton is rock’n’roll. The quail afternoon tea is one of those extraordinary dishes that will stay with you for life. Jason is a rock star of chefs, no doubt about it.https://www.instagram.com/p/BxaQJ8anImv/
6. Core by Clare Smyth is the real deal. I believe Clare is the best female chef in the world. I have so much respect for her and what she has done for the awesome women in our great industry of hospitality. Her cooking is thoughtful and delicious.https://www.instagram.com/p/BxQLgA1HcVv/
7. I love Yotam Ottolenghi so much; he has gifted the world his incredibleness. His food is soulful and tasty. I sat at the bar at NOPI in Soho and ate loads of share-plate dishes and drank (one too many!) Negronis.https://www.instagram.com/p/BvcAhkHn8Th/
8. Mazi is a hot new Greek venue in Kensington. I have heard so much about this place and I’m excited to visit soon. Check it out if you’re in town and please let me know about your experience.https://www.instagram.com/p/BxuO8QCHuX8/