My West London Life

Tim Allen

November
27

Tim Allen, head chef at Kensington’s Michelin starred restaurant Launceston Place on food faux pas and west Yorkshire versus west London

How would you describe the food you make?

Honest; using the best products I can buy for the money we charge, handled in a respectful fashion.

Have you ever accidentally made a faux pas rather than a taste sensation?

There’s been a few! Salted peanut risotto and roasted cucumber – proper dodgy.

How do you go about sourcing great British produce?

I’ve worked with suppliers for years and know the producers/growers. There are chefs in London who claim they are unique in what they buy and experts in products, but at the end of the day, experience and longevity counts for a lot.

From west Yorkhire to west London: how does life in Kensington compare?

Completely different. Much higher paced and demands even more of my time at work. Launceston Place is in a great location so that helps a lot. People in Yorkshire are nicer, though!

Does your upbringing influence your work? If so, how?

Yes – I was brought up to graft, and that’s what I do.

You spent seven successful years at two Michelin-starred Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds, why did you decide to leave?

It was time to do it for myself.

Where would you go for a bite to eat with friends?

I tend to go the coast and eat oysters.

Who is the most inspirational chef you have worked with, and what did you learn from them?

Martin Burge and Daniel Clifford. Martin for his patience and manner in the kitchen and his discipline. Daniel for his creativity, passion and sheer determination.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Snickers ice cream.

www.launcestonplace-restaurant.co.uk

Sarah Campus, founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS

March
19

We chat sleeping, eating, hydrating and moving with pre and post-natal fitness expert, Sarah Campus

Sarah Campus is a highly experienced women’s personal trainer, a nutrition coach, wellness expert and a busy mum of three. In 2016 she founded LDN MUMS FITNESS. She is a fitness and wellbeing panellist for Women’s Fitness Magazine and often appears on television as a holistic health specialist.… Read more →

Amy Nairn, Personal Chef

January
5

Personal Chef Amy Nairn on her favourite restaurants, high-profile clients, & cooking to impress!

Where do you live and why?

Having grown up between Islington and Scotland, I’ve lived in Parson’s Green most of my adult life. I love village atmosphere, the mix of ‘country’ pubs, young families, and its proximity to the King’s Road.

How did you get into cooking, is

Read more →