Laoise has worked in food now for over ten years. Moving to London to re-train as a chef at Leith's, she has experience working in Robin Gill’s restaurants (the dairy), writing a column for the Evening Standard, and developing recipes for Marks & Spencer. We had to get the lowdown on she likes to eat in London!
L: For me, cooking and food are what soothes and calms me. It’s how I show the people I love that I care for them. So my list is where I take someone I love to show them the best things about London food. To escape the day-to-day and lose yourself in the joy of good food.
Kudu, Peckham, the best bread and butter combo you will have, to eat the whole South African menu by head chef Patrick, in particular the bread with melted smoked bacon butter or seafood butter (or both).
Brasserie Zedel, Piccadilly, to pretend you’re in Paris when you’re smack bang in the middle of Piccadilly. Definitely have the steak frites.
The Ginger Pig, Borough Market, for their sausage rolls, all other sausage rolls will pale in comparison.
Padella, Borough Market, to taste just how good fresh pasta can be (then try its sister restaurant Trullo, Islington)
Kappacaesin, Borough Market for the best cheese toastie that will make you forget about all other toasties.
Bubala, Spitafields, to see how naturally delicious vegetarian cooking can be.
Jikoni, Marylebone to fall head over heals in love with pure comfort Indian cooking.
Fallow, Haymarket, try the breakfast croissant sandwich.
Bottle & Rye, Brixton, for the best anchovies on toast.
Max’s Sandwich Shop, Crouch Hill, to eat the best sandwiches of your life - ham, egg & chips in a sandwich.
Otto’s, Clerkenwell, to step back in time and eat a pressed French duck served table side.
Toklas Bakery, Temple, for Head Baker Janine’s sourdough made from grains milled in-house, try the porridge one.
Darby’s, for head chef George’s menu and the Sunday sessions.
Covent Garden Hotel, Covent Garden, for head chef Martin’s menu made with the produce from Pusey Farm. Try his lobster pasta dish, if you’re lucky enough for it to be on.
The Clove Club, for an unforgettable and mind-reeling experience.
Quality Chop House, Clerkenwell. For the ham hock terrine and pop into the deli after to bring charcuterie home. Goes without saying you’ll be getting the confit potatoes too.
Dishoom, any branch. No matter how many times I go I just want to keep coming back.The Dhal makhani is comfort and joy.
Bocca di Lupo, Soho. One of the first restaurants I ate in when I moved here 10 years ago and it never disappoints.
40 Maltby Street, Bermondsey, for the best meal you’ll have under a railway arch.
Santa Maria, various locations. Because pizza. And if I love you, we are definitely eating pizza together.
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