Television presenter and journalist Nick Kwek moved to the Big Smoke to pursue his television dream and now hosts BBC’s Discovering the World’s Table. Here, he shares why Britain’s capital city is a foodie paradise
Photography: Shutterstock, Paul Winch-Furness, Chio
I grew up with the smells and sounds of scorching woks, sizzling ginger and fiery chilli, as my Sabahan father cooked in our family’s Malaysian restaurant, The Rickshaw, in Fife, Scotland. It was joined to our home and each day was a reminder of my heritage – I am what happens when East meets West. Intrigued by exotic lands and driven by my passion for storytelling, I chased the bright lights of London to pursue my master’s degree in Broadcasting.
I immediately fell in love with the city. The intoxicating energy, the feeling that anything is possible – it was like unlocking a secret level in the game of life. It was daunting, yet so thrilling. And I still think it’s pretty amazing how everything is a mere tube ride away. After a few months, I soon found myself working with A-list stars on huge productions.
Fast forward 14 years, we recently shot an episode of Discovering the World’s Table in Borneo, filming with rice wine-making tribes in Keningau, spearfishing with the Bajau Laut community off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and cooking with exciting young chefs reimagining Malaysian cuisine.
“When a man is tired of London, so he is of life,” said Samuel Johnson – widely believed to be the author of the first English dictionary – and I couldn’t agree more. The capital is electric. London marches to the beat of its own drum – its decorated hospitality industry, culinary pedigree and sheer plethora of places to enjoy make it the perfect playground.
Spaces that ignite creativity
As a media man, nowhere beats Soho in terms of the hubbub and its addictively artsy vibe – home to numerous stages, members’ clubs, hidden doors and late-night speakeasies like Trisha’s on Greek Street. One of my new go-to spots for fresh inspiration is All Is Joy Studios at 75 Dean Street – the former Warner Brothers editing house is run by artists JP Levack and Phil Tidy, and now hosts diverse pop-up events at the scene’s fringes, from photography exhibitions, workshops, film premiers to underground raves.
A toast to romance
In London, you’re never too far from a watering hole. Established in 1890, Gordon’s is one of the city’s oldest wine bars. The whimsical and romantic, candlelit subterranean cellar is an ideal Valentine’s Day destination (mind your head, the cavern ceiling is low). Come summer, arrive early to grab an alfresco seat and sip a crisp rosé, accompanied by build-your-own charcuterie boards, gorgeous cheeses and pickles.
Bites of Asia
Whenever I’m craving eastern flavours, I always return to Café TPT in Chinatown. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it – this tiny gem hiding in plain sight serves Cantonese classics such as Peking duck alongside Malaysian specialities like char kway teow and curry laksa. Their legendary meat and aubergine clay pot is one of my all-time favourite dishes. Owner Rex, originally from Hong Kong, is the expert host, ushering you in like VIPs to an exclusive club. And the best part – it’s open later than most – a sensational late-night supper spot.
Worth the air miles
There are few restaurants that are destinations in their own right – the opulent Bob Bob Ricard is one of them. The blue leather booths make intimate conversation easy and each table has a special button that you press for champagne. Oysters? Yes, please! Smoked salmon? Go on then! Once you’ve exhausted the bubbles button, indulge in several grades of caviar and subzero vodkas. Their magnificent beef wellington is a masterpiece – glistening golden pastry encasing the juiciest pink fillet – the best I’ve eaten. The silky-smooth mashed potatoes are luxuriously divine, and the truffle fries are generously coated.
Another hot ticket in town is The Devonshire, off Piccadilly Circus. Rapidly making its name as the most famous pub in Britain. The food is sublime, starting with the shellfish, langoustines, crab and potted shrimp. From the grill, Scottish steaks and lamb chops are seared and seasoned so very well. It’s constantly packed to the rafters so book well ahead. The spirit is celebratory and victorious – like attending an epic party, thrown just for you.
Oasis in the city
For me, there are two types of coffee shops – the ones for hanging out in and the ones that serve good coffee. Hideaway Coffee in Soho is a rare refuge for a pause and a sip of a lovingly crafted brew. Tucked away within a courtyard, it’s a sanctuary of serenity. I like to go and take stock of the day ahead, or more often than not, of the night before. The staff are refreshingly unpretentious about the beans, the milk, the cups. Free from distraction, it’s ideal for meetings. But if you’re looking for a meaner cup of joe, head straight to Kaffeine in Fitzrovia.
