Australian-born, Paris-trained Skye Gyngell made Petersham Nurseries Cafe a phenomenon. As a writer, she has penned award-winning cookbooks and was the food writer for the Independent on Sunday for five years. In October 2014, Gyngell opened her much-anticipated London restaurant, Spring in Somerset House. See springrestaurant.co.uk.
My favourite restaurant in London that I go to time and time again is the River Cafe. It has the perfect little setting on the Thames overlooking their pretty vegetable patch and the food there is my idea of perfection; the best seasonal ingredients used in simple recipes that makes the produce sing. See rivercafe.co.uk.
London's food secrets never stays a secret for very long but often, just walking around and exploring London is the best way to find them. I love London's farmers markets such as Marylebone, Maltby Street and Spa Terminus, all have a few food stalls owned by small producers that really love their trade. See lfm.org.uk; facebook.com/maltbystreet; spa-terminus.co.uk.
If I'm staying local, the Brackenbury just around the corner from me in Shepherd's Bush is an excellent restaurant. It's simple food but an underrated pleasure. Or if I'm venturing further out, I think East London is really having a moment, the Clove Club is just incredible and Lyle's is lovely. See brackenburyrestaurant.co.uk; thecloveclub.com; lyleslondon.com.
Barrafina Adelaide Street; it's a short walk from Spring and such a welcome addition to the area. I love to pop in for lunch if I have the time, Nieves' (Barragan Mohacho) cooking is just so beautiful and Sam and Eddie Hart are brilliant front of house, too. See barrafina.co.uk.
Honestly, fast food. Why bother when there are so many more delicious and healthier options?
