Out of the Kitchen: Vivek Singh on his favourite restaurants and bars in London

In our Out of the Kitchen series, London’s top chefs reveal where they eat and drink when they’re away from the stove
Bao and bike rides: Vivek Singh
Ben Norum16 November 2016

Vivek Singh runs The Cinnamon Club in Westminster, Cinnamon Kitchen in the City and Cinnamon Soho off Carnaby Street. On December 1 he launches Cinnamon Bazaar in Covent Garden. When he gets time out of the kitchen he likes bike rides, bao and shopping for spices.

Where do you like to grab a quick bite? I go to Banh Mi Bay for Vietnamese sandwiches.

And which would be your ultimate London restaurant for a special occasion? Simon Rogan’s Fera at Claridge’s is a great place with a sense of occasion, but not only that, it’s some of the most exciting cooking in the country.

You often get out of work late. Where do you head to eat and drink? Le Bab in Kingly Court, for the 15-hour free-range pork shawarma ‘bab, with pickled kohlrabi, roasted broccoli puree, crackling and chermoula mayo.

Late night feed: Le Bab

What’s your favourite local gem? You’ve got to try Mr Bao in Peckham — a taste of Taiwan in South East London.

Where do you go to cure a persistent hangover? Mirch Masala in Tooting. It serves up rustic Lahore-style grills and rustic curries. Try the methi or Kerala gosht.

What’s your favourite cocktail, and where do you drink it? The Devonshire Express at Cinnamon Kitchen’s Anise Bar is the ‘Cinnamon’ take on an espresso martini, with hints of cardamom and orange.

Where do you rate for food shopping? Locally I will head to Sathyam on Lee High Road, excellent for Indian spices, fresh fruit and veg and other goodies. Little India in Tooting or any of the Asian stores in Green Street are also great.

Your favourite pub? The Albert on Victoria Street has long been a favourite of mine. I’ve been going there with my team at The Cinnamon Club since we first opened 15 years ago.

Indulgent: The Ledbury

What’s the most indulgent experience you have ever had in London? A tasting menu lunch at The Ledbury. It is an experience that transports you to another world, we were thoroughly spoiled!

Imagine you had a surprise day off tomorrow. You can’t leave London. What would you do? A long bike ride with the family. There are some great cycling routes in London, with great views and you’ll always come across fantastic little stops to eat and drink along the way. I like to cycle to Greenwich, then cross the river via the foot tunnel, then cycle through the Docklands, returning via Tower Bridge and Bermondsey.

Visit standard.co.uk/restaurants for the latest news and reviews from London’s food scene.

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