With such a remarkable array of restaurants and food markets, it’s no wonder London is firmly on the map as a top foodie destination. Few people know this better than Stephanie Brookes, a food writer, restaurant reviewer and presenter who has her finger on the pulse of London’s thriving culinary scene. From her popular BBC Radio London segments to her London dining guide Plate & Place and her Amazon Prime series Restaurants of London, she has become a trusted voice for uncovering the city’s top dining spots.
As a longtime London Perfect friend, Stephanie is giving our readers a behind-the-scenes look at some of her favorite restaurants and what makes London’s food scene so appealing.
Your passion for sharing about London’s best dining experiences shines through in everything you do. What first drew you to this tasty specialty?
I had a rather left field entrance into the food world, which really started when I presented on a show for Hoxton Radio several years back. Every week, I interviewed all kinds of guests on various different topics, but the subject I seemed to gravitate towards the most was food. In fact, it was the only subject I really wanted to talk about! From there, I approached BBC Radio London with an idea to review restaurants around the city, and everything grew from that point onwards.
What excites you about the London culinary scene?
There’s always something new around the corner, whether it’s a cuisine you’ve yet to explore, or a dish you’ve been hearing about all over town. For instance, at Jason Atherton’s new restaurant, Sael, there’s a remarkable dish of Hereford Snail and Ox Cheek Lasagna which has had amazing word-of-mouth. I tried the dish over the weekend and it’s already one of my new favourites. The sheer creativity of the chefs is so inspiring. Every day I feel lucky to be a part of this incredible industry.
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Are there foodie experiences you think travelers should experience more (or instead of) in London?
I would always recommend travelers to experience more of the independent restaurant scene, and not be tempted by the mainstream chains all over town. You will discover how incredibly diverse London’s restaurant scene truly is, and it’s a much more rewarding experience for the diner, too. You’ll find that the service is more personal at independent venues where their passion for the restaurant and produce is really on show. For my work with Plate & Place, I’m offering a Restaurant Recommendation service as I want to guide people towards the best culinary venues that London has to offer.
Could you tell us about your new London restaurant TV series?
I recently filmed a five-part TV series called Restaurants of London which focuses around some of London’s most legendary venues. The series is a love-letter to London’s dining scene with some truly incredible restaurants, including The Ivy, NOBU, Wiltons, Quaglino’s and Sketch. In the series, I get to chat about these remarkable restaurants with some amazing celebrity guests. For the episode at Wiltons, I spoke to Food Writer, Tom Parker Bowles, where we enjoyed a fabulous lunch of Dover Sole and Welsh Rarebit, and chatted about the history of the restaurant, as well as his own passion for food. I really hope people enjoy the show as it’s a must for restaurant-lovers. The series is streaming now on Amazon Video.
Now, for a question you often ask in your interviews on Plate & Place, do you have a favorite restaurant?
I’m often asked this question, and it’s always the most difficult to answer. First off, I have to give a mention to my lovely local restaurant, Marcella, which is one of the best places for Italian cuisine, with delicious homemade pasta. It’s small and intimate and has such a relaxed neighbourhood feel. If I’m looking to celebrate, there’s no better place than the Savoy Grill which is one of London’s most iconic restaurants. I always recommend the Beef Wellington which is one of their signature dishes. And finally, the always excellent, Andrew Edmunds, is a must-visit. The restaurant is located in a beautiful 18th-century townhouse right in the heart of Soho. The food is seasonal so the menu is continually changing, and the wine list is exceptional.
Stephanie interviewing Tom Parker Bowles for Restaurants of London. (Photo: Rosie Turner)
In addition to Plate & Place, how can travelers find out more of your tips and recommendations for London dining?
I would love people to follow me on Instagram @stephaniebrookeslondon for my latest London foodie adventures. There’s always plenty of restaurant inspiration on my account, especially around the holidays. Also, if anyone would like any restaurant suggestions, I’m always happy to help.
