The Cork --- An English Cut Publication Zero Issue | Page 98

LONDON FOOD MAP:

Fergus Henderson
THE FAMED ST JOHN CHEF LISTS HIS FAVOURITE HANG OUTS IN CENTRAL
LONDON , DISHING OUT SUSHI AND FISH & CHIPS TIPS WHILE MIXING
MARTINI COCKTAILS WITH SHOTS OF FERNET BRANCA

1. I like Ikeda, it’s a Japanese restaurant in Mayfair. When you walk into
the lobby it has the feeling of a 1970s Holiday Inn hotel, which I quite
like. But don’t be fooled by that, the food is brilliant. I go for the sushi
— it’s not cheap but worth it.
Ikeda, 30 Brook Street, London W1K 5DJ
2. Scott’s is glamorous and fun. As well as the food I enjoy looking at all
the artwork on the walls. Eating there is a bit of an event: you cherish the
moment. They’re famous for their fish dishes — I often have haddock,
peas and chips. Fish and Chips is a staple at many restaurants, but at
Scott’s it’s just that little bit extra special.
Scott’s, 20 Mount Street, London W1K 2HE
3. When I’m in Mayfair and in need of a drink I go to DUKES. The hotel
bar is great for a martini cocktail as the gin they use has been frozen for
two days, so there is no ice and therefore no delusion. To go with that
I normally order a portion of prawn crackers. Gin and prawn crackers,
you wouldn’t have thought so, but they go perfectly hand in hand!
DUKES, St. James’s Place, London SW1A 1NY
4. Let’s move in to Soho. I like going to BAO for lunch. The problem
lots of others do too: there’s often a queue to try their buns. Once seated
I go for the chicken or BBQ pork. The buns are soft and fluffy, steamed
to perfection. Shame about the queues though…
BAO, 53 Lexington Street, London W1F 9AS
5. If I fancy just a coffee I’ll go to Bar Italia… maybe a cheeky glass of
Fernet Branca on the side. It’s great to just sit there and watch the people
of Soho walk past you. If I get peckish I’ll throw in a toasted focaccia.
Bar Italia, 22 Frith Street, London W1D 4RF
6. This is a new-ish place, opened up a couple of years ago I think. I
really like this restaurant: the kitchen is mix of different cuisines so it’s
difficult to describe the food but they have a wine list as thick as a book,
and I really appreciate that. Plus the chefs are Antipodean — there’s lots
of chefs from Australia and New Zealand in London, I’m not sure why…
but I like them, even married one!
10 Greek Street, 10 Greek Street, London W1D 4DH

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THE CORK

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