Where do you live and why?
Shepherd’s Bush. We moved there because I couldn’t afford Notting Hill prices. Now I wouldn’t want to live in Notting Hill anyway.
Who or what sparked your love of cooking?
Greed and my mother.
What has been your most memorable west London meal?
I presume you mean one not in my home or in one of my restaurants!
What are your west London cultural loves?
Holland Park Opera, the old Electric Cinema [191 Portobello Road, W11] and Ginglik [1 Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12], the converted public toilets in Shepherd’s Bush Green.
Who would you invite to a dream dinner party?
St John Ambulance brigade.
Where were the last three places you went on holiday?
Umbria, Cape Cod and the Cotentin Peninsula [Normandy].
What do you miss when you’re away?
Nothing.
Do you miss Kensington Place [the iconic restaurant he co-founded]?
No.
AA Gill has described you as one of the top 10 menu composers? What’s your secret to a great menu?
A good start is to write down what you like eating yourself. Then refine. Balance. Leave plenty of clean, simple options on the menu. Don’t listen to AA Gill.
What are you most proud of and why?
My children.
What’s your philosophy on life?
An existential phenomenological approach based on a priori… Or just get on with it.
How would you spend a perfect Sunday?
Lunch at the River Café [Rainville Road, W6] followed by Manchester United V Fulham at Craven Cottage, is an option.
Tell us a secret about your area…
Momo [14 Queen’s Parade, Hangar Lane, W5]. Good Japanese.
What would be your last supper?
Very, very long.
