A chef’s guide to London

Words by

Staff Writer

Published

10 May 2016

Is London calling? Whether you’re headed there direct or as a stopover on your way elsewhere, there’s a buzzing culinary scene to savour in the capital. Here are acclaimed British chef Jason Atherton’s 10 favourites.

Jason Atherton.

#1 The Ledbury

Australian-born head chef Brett Graham has held two Michelin stars at The Ledbury, tucked away on a quiet street in Notting Hill, for almost three years. The food is exquisite – try the flame-grilled mackerel with pickled cucumber, Celtic mustard and shiso.

127 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London, W112AQ. theledbury.com

#2 Hibiscus

Another two-Michelin-star restaurant, Hibiscus is just around the corner from my flagship restaurant Pollen Street Social. Head chef Claude Bosi trained under some of the French greats including Alain Passard and Alain Ducasse.

29 Maddox Street, London, W1S2PA. hibiscusrestaurant.co.uk

#3 Barrafina

I love everything about Spanish tapas and Barrafina has the most authentic in London. Sit at the bar with a glass of fino and a plate of jamón ibérico.

54 Frith Street, Soho, London, W1D4SL. barrafina.co.uk

#4 The Dog & Duck

A proper English pub in Soho that’s been around since 1897. Go for a pint, there are plenty of great ales to choose from.

18 Bateman Street, London, W1D3AJ. nicholsonspubs.co.uk/thedogandducksoholondon

#5 Shake Shack

Simply the best burgers in town – worth the queues. I admire New York restaurateur and founder Danny Meyer’s approach to hospitality – he gets it right whether it’s fast-food or fine dining.

Covent Garden, 24 Market Building, The Piazza, London, WC2E8RD. shakeshack.com

#6 Borough Market

Spend a couple of hours wandering around this bustling food market by the Thames and you’re bound to discover (and taste) something new. It’s packed full of great producers selling everything from foraged mushrooms to artisan cheeses.

8 Southwark Street, London, SE11TL. boroughmarket.org.uk

#7 Pizza Pilgrims

London has had a pizza renaissance in the past few years, with loads of independent pizzerias popping up – but Pizza Pilgrims gets my vote. Their traditional Neopolitan sourdough pizzas are soft and chewy, rather than thin and crispy, and the produce authentic.

11 Dean Street, London, W1D3RP. pizzapilgrims.co.uk

#8 Social Wine & Tapas

My new restaurant and bar in Marylebone is made for wine-lovers. All the front of house staff are sommeliers, so you’re bound to be recommended a great new wine to try alongside a few tapas-style dishes.

39 James Street, London, W1U1EB. socialwineandtapas.com

#9 Goodman

If you’re looking for a great steakhouse, Goodman is the real deal. They dry-age their meat on-site, and can even cut steaks to order.

24-26 Maddox Street, London, W1S1QH. goodmanrestaurants.com

#10 Brixton Village Market

Bring an appetite to Brixton Village Market – it’s heaven for street food. Go on a Thursday or Friday, when it’s open late, work your way down the street and soak up the atmosphere. brixtonmarket.net