The Mayor of London's top spots from Tooting to Soho.
Just like every Londoner, The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, likes to explore his own city and celebrate the many cultures of the people living in London. He enjoys fine dining, traditional food and supports small business restaurants and local cafés. Growing up in Tooting has influenced Sadiq Khan, especially when it comes to food – look for him in Tooting Market. Here is how to do London like Sadiq Khan.
Darjeeling Express
Located in Soho, in the heart of London on Carnaby Street, inside one of London’s gems called Kingly Court. The business is run by chef and owner, Asma Khan, along with an all-women team from Asia. The concept is a nod to the Royal Mughlai legacy and food inspired by the popular street food from West Bengal, Calcutta, and North India. The restaurant’s interiors are inspired by the Indian train station’s waiting rooms but modernised. Serving a curation of homestyle food, with the goal to ‘nourish the body and soul’. The restaurant menu showcases some of the iconic food from regions in East India all the way to South India. Plus, Asma has worked on initiatives for women in Saudi Arabia.
Go: Visit www.darjeeling-express.com for more information.
Dunn’s Bakery
Located in Crouch End and Muswell Hill, a family-owned business passed down through generations since it opened in 1827. The bakery is now run by a sixth-generation baker Lewis Freeman, keeping the joy and the traditions of baking still alive even years later. The bakery serves delicacies, breads, cakes and patisseries and is famous for its doughnuts. This is one of Sadiq Khan’s personal favourite doughnuts in London. The bakery has a team of expert staff and bakers who use the finest ingredients to bake the products from scratch and serve fresh every day. They support the community by raising funds for The Children’s Trust charity every year in May by hosting National Doughnut Week.
Go: Visit https://dunns-bakery.co.uk for more information.
Dishoom
Dishoom is one of the most popular Indian restaurants in London and has venues in King’s Cross Square and Covent Garden, Carnaby Street, Kensington. The restaurant is a nod to Bombay’s food and its culture. A harmonious combination is accumulating the history and different sides of the city’s history. From street food must-haves to amazing main courses, the menu has a great selection of the most delicious North Indian dishes. It also supports charities in India and celebrates cultural events such as Diwali, Ramadan, Eid and Christmas. This is the kind of diversity Sadiq Khan embraces, and he can often be found with his family and friends at the restaurant.
Go: Visit www.dishoom.com for more information.
Forks and Green
A concept just as simple as its name, Forks and Green is located in North London in Philip Lane, a space with interiors that display tranquil energy. It’s a great spot for having good coffee, breakfast or brunch, and catching up with friends or colleagues. Such places organically start to become a go-to place for people in the area. The produce used for the food is all locally sourced, and it serves food from traditional Parisian patisserie to poached eggs and omelettes, of course, a delicious selection of coffee and tea.
Go: Visit www.forksandgreen.co.uk for more information.
J Sheekey
J Sheekey is located just a few minutes walk away from Covent Garden, just off of Leicester Square. It is no wonder why Sadiq Khan enjoys dinner here, as it is a hidden gem for jazz fans. Every Sunday, the restaurant hosts live jazz performances for the guests. It was established in 1896, serving the best seafood meals and delicacies, from scallops to shellfish bisque. It is also known as a go-to spot for theatre revellers, actors, and audiences for a fine dining experience. They have exclusive festive menus which makes the experience all the more memorable. The restaurant is iconic for its ruby red exterior, it is one of the restaurants that the mayor’s likes to occasionally visit with his wife.
Go: Visit https://j-sheekey.co.uk for more information.
Fait Maison
The restaurant is run by Yvonne Osman better known as Om Waleed, the executive chef for Fait Maison, located in Mayfair on Molton Street, Baker Street and South Kensington. It is famous for its delicious Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Serving food curated by the chef along with an amazing selection of homemade desserts and patisserie. The company was established in 2001 by two friends, Mohamed Osman and Mohamed El Banna, and inspired by the French traiteur concept. The presentation of the dishes and the restaurant’s decorations is all a reflection of the chef’s passion for design.
Go: Visit www.fait-maison.co.uk for more information.
Lina Stores
Italian food is comfort food for most Londoners, Lina Stores is a deli meets restaurant style dining located in Mayfair, King’s Cross and various other branches in central London. It was established in 1944 by owners Lina and her partner Emilio Crippa. The first ever location of the restaurant started off in Soho, and soon after, it started branching out to other locations. This brings together not only the people of London but also for the Italian community in London. Serving flavourful dishes, classic dishes from Lemon Linguine, Taglioni al Tartufo to amazing Italian desserts like Tiramisu, Chocolate Mousse and, of course, some mouth-watering gelato.
Go: Visit www.linastores.co.uk for more information.
Ottolenghi
Ottolenghi is located in Islington, Covent Garden, Chelsea, Notting Hill and and other locations across the city. In 2002, it was launched in Notting Hill by the chefs Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi. The restaurant serves deli meets restaurant-style Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food. It is run by a team full of experts and food lovers, the chef creates new recipes for the menu. His recipes include a lot of flavourful dishes for breakfast, cakes and more. The chef is quite distinguished for using vegetables and unconventional ingredients that give the meal so much more flavour.
Go: Visit https://ottolenghi.co.uk for more information.
Shakeshuka
Shakeshuka is home to the comforting dishes of Palestine. Created by Haleem Kherallah, it is a tribute to his culture. Located in Marylebone, it is the first-ever Palestinian restaurant in London. Inspired by his mother’s recipes, Haleem designed a fine dining space for the people of London to experience the taste of authentic Palestinian food. The restaurant has iconic Palestinian dishes on their menu: Falafel, Shawarma, Mixed Grill of koftas, Warak Enab (stuffed grape leaves with rice and lamb), and shakshouka, (served with delicious spices and tomatoes with eggs). Plus, there are authentic Levant desserts and hot drinks.
Go: Visit www.shakeshukarestaurant.co.uk for more information.
The Cinnamon Club
The Cinnamon Club is run by the Executive Chef, Founder and CEO of the Cinnamon Collection, Vivek Singh. In 2001, the modern-day Indian fine dining restaurant opened in the Grade II Westminster Library on Great Smith Street. It blends Indian flavours and Western techniques and serves some popular Indian dishes with a twist. The menu includes the long-running classics and seasonal dishes. Every Saturday they have a Jazz Brunch from 12pm to 2.30pm.
Go: Visit https://cinnamonclub.com for more information.
