People: Interviews

Nicholas Balfe

Brixton's Salon chef founder

In Conversation

As our Brixton neighborhood fave Salon turns 5 this week, we speak to chef founder Nicholas Balfe about where he hangs out.

What is your all-time favourite London restaurant?
That’s a tough one, but there’s something magical about the Rochelle Canteen in Shoreditch, sat outside for lunch on the first balmy day of the year. Heaven!

Where do you go to celebrate a special occasion?
Lyle’s in London, or Septime in Paris if it’s really, really special!

What’s your local?
The Hermit’s Cave in Camberwell. After a few pints you can nip round the corner to Theo’s for a scotch bonnet nduja pizza. Delicious!

Where would we find you on your day off?
I had a very restorative stroll round Richmond Park yesterday. The perfect way to spend a chilled Sunday.

Which chef should we be watching for 2018?
I’m interested to see what Anna Tobias (former Head Chef of Rochelle Canteen) gets up to next.

Any 2018 resolutions?
To maintain a better work/life balance and see my mates more often.

Where do you go for a culture fix?
Loved the Basquiat exhibition at the Barbican recently. The Barbican generally is pretty inspiring. Or a wander down the Southbank in summer is always a good way of reminding yourself how incredible London is.

Originally published on
19th January 2018

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