This was published 4 years ago
London best places to eat: Chef Lee Tiernan's picks for breakfast, lunch and dinner
By Julietta Jameson
Eel sarnie.
T
THE MEAL PLANNER LONDON
THE EXPERT
Having worked with Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver's legendary nose-to-tail group, St John for a decade, Londoner Lee Tiernan is now head chef at his own restaurant, the much lauded Black Axe Mangal in Highbury, north London. He will take part in the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in March. See mfwf.com.au
BREAKFAST
I am a sucker for a good fry-up and a bacon sandwich at St John Bread and Wine accompanied by a bottle of Breton Cider is hard to beat when it comes to starting the day in the right way. Otherwise, offering an excellent range of global inspired delights such as breakfast tacos and kimchi or a Stichelton toastie, Snackbar x Farmshop is unique, which is hard to achieve in London. There is an urban farm program in the yard growing what produce they can to feature on the menu. See stjohnrestaurant.com ; snackbarlondon.com
COFFEE
I'm more of an instant coffee kinda guy if I'm being honest. When I do get a hankering for a coffee and a nice vibe, I go to Allpress on Dalson Lane. It's a great space to chill or work or have a meeting while enjoying in-house baked goods and of course, coffee and tea. See uk.allpressespresso.com
LUNCH
Over the last few years I've taken to exercise. It just so happens that my gym is above one of my favourite lunch spots, The Smoking Goat in Shoreditch is a temple to Bangkok's late night canteens. Meats and fish sizzling over charcoals means you leave smelling delicious. Or, if you find yourself peckish in SoHo, a must-try is Jeremy Lee's legendary smoked eel sandwich at Quo Vardis. Sourdough fried golden, generous fillets of succulent smoked eel perfectly foiled with a horseradish punch, spiked with pickled red onion. I dare you to only order one. I would recommend sipping a gin and tonic at the buffed copper bar while nibbling on your sarnie. See smokinggoatbar.com ; quovadissoho.co.uk
DINNER
There are so many great places to eat in the capital, I simply can't recommend one place. It depends on my mood and where in town I happen to be. But Marksman Public House on Hackney Road is an education in the diverse culinary history of London, celebrating seasonal produce. Their attention to detail and depth of knowledge means you are in for a comforting treat. See marksmanpublichouse.com
DRINK
This one is even harder that the last. I'm happy in most places that serve alcohol but when push comes to shove, I'm happiest in a good old London boozer like the Golden Heart in Shoreditch. I've been going here for years and years, watching the area change for better and worse from this corner of east London. The Golden Heart has remained faithful to itself. (110 Commercial St, Spitalfields)
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