Why have you chosen Notting Hill to open 80 West?

Notting Hill is my favourite area in London. I’ve always loved the vibe here, the shops, the restaurants, the pubs and bars, and I adore browsing Portobello market on Saturdays.

80 West has been going for almost a year. You must be proud of it…

I am very much so. I do not come from a catering or hospitality background so this has been an incredibly steep learning curve for me. I can’t believe how much it has changed and evolved over the past year.

How do you feel about the big companies moving into Portobello?

I think it’s a shame you see so many independent places shutting down and chains moving in and setting up. One of the reasons that I have always liked Notting Hill is that it wasn’t like this. However this seems to be slowly changing and I really hope that it won’t erode the character and colourfulness of the area.

What’s been your most memorable west London meal?

That’s hard as there are so many places – I think at the moment I would go for Pizza East as their pork belly pizza is incredible.

What were you last three holiday destinations?

San Francisco and Napa, Mykonos and Slovenia.

What do you miss from your old life in the City?

Nothing.

What was the last exhibition you saw?

A graffiti art exhibition at London West Bank Gallery in Notting Hill.

What’s in your secret address book?

The Clifton pub on Clifton Road in St Johns Wood – I love that place. Very nice and cosy. The Queen’s Park Farmers Market and this gorgeous chocolate shop on Belsize Park Road called The Cocoa Exchange; it is almost like a museum for chocolate.

What’s by your bedside?

My radio. I like to listen and have it on throughout the night, my alarm clock and hand cream as my hands are very dry from cooking all day.

How would you spend an ideal Sunday?

I would go for a run around Regent’s Park, then go to the Queen’s Park farmers market where I would buy some groceries and eat a bacon butty. Later on I would go to The Prince Bonaparte pub on Chepstow Road to meet some friends for a late Sunday lunch.

What made you leave a career you’d studied so hard for? Was it a spur of the moment epiphany, or had you always harboured dreams of running a boutique café?

I have always loved food and cooking. Whilst growing up I used to love watching and helping my mother cook, she is an amazing cook.  Gradually, the more time went by, the more I realised that I wanted to do something food related and where the pace of my working life would be different to working a nine to six job in the City.  Even though now I work harder as this is seven days a week, I enjoy it much more as I am around food all day long and get to chat to the regulars.

What’s the best place for a date in west London?

I like The Oak on Westbourne Park Road. You can go upstairs and have a drink by the bar whilst waiting for your table. I think the pizza there is one of the best in London and I am a big pizza fan.

What’s your philosophy on life?

It’s short, so eat, drink, and be merry.

What are your plans for 80 West?

In the next few weeks we will be staying open until 11pm as we will be serving wine with charcuterie and cheese boards.