Local Produce Lover // Foodie // Experiences
George is a larger than life character(!) making waves in the London hospitality world… He’s currently manager of Burr & Co at the stunning and decadent Kimpton Fitzroy hotel located on Russel Square. George started in the hospitality Industry 10 years ago as a pot wash in a local pub and has climbed the ranks working as manager at restaurants such as Caravan and Polpo.
George is a font of all knowledge when it comes to London’s food and hospitality scene. As we remerge from the shadows of lockdown, we chat to George to get his take on some of the best local London spots for you to take advantage of while all our ‘jet setting summer plans’ have been temporarily derailed… Explore some of London’s watering holes and culinary treats with George:
STAY LOCAL: LONDON
WHERE TO EAT
St Johns, Clerkenwell
This restaurant was a huge influence on the hospitality industry and I personally adore it. The cuisine is classic English nose to tail cooking. The chef Fergus Henderson is a true legend and his menus are simple yet creative. Super wine list too!
Barrafina, Soho
For fresh Spanish tapas this is simply perfect. It’s bar seating as the chefs prepare everything fresh in front of you. The food is delicious really showing a heart to a lot of Spanish dishes. A must for any visitor.
Ella Canta, Mayfair
Located in Mayfair this Mexican takes you on a true journey! Whenever I go I have the tasting menu with cocktail pairing! The cocktails and menu are all based on the Mexican day of the dead. It’s an amazing experience with all the serving team dressed to the occasion and fundamentally the food is delicious!
WHERE TO DRINK
French House, Soho
My favourite spot to get a half pint of Guinness… As in true French style they exclusively only serve half’s(!), but it is perfect for a little tipple and lunch drink. I love to stand outside and see Soho alive and buzzing in the day and wild in the evening!
Le Beaujolais, Seven Dials
Hidden away just off Shaftesbury Avenue you’ll find the Beaujolais; a stunning wine bar. They even have a chalk board with all the names of the regular’s on. They are all real characters that you’ll find around the bar! The Sancerre is my go-to with a Toulouse sausage bar snack.
Trisha’s, Soho
If It’s 10pm/11pm and you find yourself staggering down Greek Street, Trish’s is the best place for you. No sign, the entrance looks like an unassuming door to an apartment but when you walk down the stairs, you come into a totally unique dive bar full of history and a welcome break from many of the bigger bars in the area. Also, important to point out, it's a very well-stocked bar, so all tipple choices will be catered to! It’s a late night essential which has been the home to many famous London tales!
LOCKDOWN TREATS IN LONDON
Patty and Bun
The main thing we have all been missing during the lockdown is a good old juicy, dirty, delicious burger. Patty and Bun have made an amazing box which you can purchase including their home-made sauce. Perfect for a Friday night!
The Estate Dairy
The estate dairy is a key milk supplier to the best coffee shops due to the quality of their milk. They are doing some amazing packages which you can have delivered to your door (London and nationwide)! They’ve linked with local farms and producers to be able to offer the best quality dairy, meat, cheese and bread/pastries. It’s a weekly must have!
Forest Road Brewery
‘’The Tactical Beer Response Unit’’. This is a service you can book online to have a van with 2 beer taps on the side which will serve you a pint outside your house. A pint is the key thing missing from my lockdown so I’m so happy to have it back! Essential for a Thursday early doors!!
TIPS FOR VISITORS IN LONDON
Borough Market
Not sure yet how social distancing will work, but this one is very well known... It’s truly the best produce and atmosphere you’ll find. There is everything that ranges from vegetables to meat to the best cheese. Whilst you’re on the market I’d advise to go to Wright Brothers to get some oysters and Neil’s Yard the home of London’s best cheese!
Tobacco Dock
When coming to London always check what events are on at the east London venue. It’s full of exciting events ranging from Taste of London (an event showcasing all London restaurants) to Metatopia (A huge BBQ festival with some of the most amazing cuts of meat and BBQ’ed food.)
Smithfield Market
If you’re an early bird and fancy seeing a meat market in full swing, Smithfield is the place to go! It’s a traditional English market and you’ll meet some of the best suppliers/restaurateurs trying to get the best deals. Truly amazing experience absolutely humming early in the morning.
Soho
Soho can go from the wildest evenings to a peaceful busy environment. I adore a night on the tiles trying out new and different cocktails but equally exciting of a morning grabbing an Espresso from Bar Italia to clear the head followed by a walk up to Popham’s Bakery for a pastry.
East London
If you go beyond Shoreditch you find Broadway market which on a Saturday you can find amazing new young business selling their artisan produce. Next to Broadway Market is Columbia Flower Market which on a Sunday is the best place to get all your plants (for inside and outside the home)!
Greenwich
Taking the river Taxi (the Thames Clipper – which works with your standard Oyster Card and lets you see the city from a totally different vantage point) to Greenwich to see the Cutty Sark and the observatory looking over London Is stunning. Greenwich really shows London as a village vibe and shows the history of the area.
FIRST TRIP AFTER LOCKDOWN
My first trip after lockdown will be to St John’s, my favourite restaurant as mentioned above. I will order their amazing bone marrow on sourdough. Followed soon I hope by a trip on the Euro-Star to Paris. I adore Paris it’s restaurant scene, wine and cuisine is just superb.
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LAUNCHING 2021
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