People: Interviews

Soren Jessen

The restaurateur heading up 1 Lombard Street

In Conversation

Danish-born restaurateur’s iconic city restaurant 1 Lombard Street has just turned 20, but he’s still keeping things fresh with his latest openings, Ekte Nordic Kitchen and Borealis – both with a Nordic focus. He shares some insights on his favourite foodie spots below.

What’s your all-time favourite London restaurant?
Sweetings in the city is the ultimate old-fashioned dining experience; it’s like travelling back in time. You can disappear for an entire afternoon with a couple of friends and a bottle of port. Time stopped in Sweetings a long time ago.

Where do you go to celebrate?
The Connaught Bar, hidden at the back, for true West End glamour and style. Dark and mysterious, it shows the late designer David Collins at his best.

Where should we go for good Danish food in London?
The always-welcoming Snaps and Rye on Goldborne Road. The chef Tania Steytler’s Cornish background matches the Nordic style wonderfully, and the owner Kell has a great passion for his home smoker and blends some intriguing snaps.

Which chef should we be watching right now?
I would say Pascal Weidemann, the chef at Six Portland Road.

Can you recommend us somewhere we might not have been?
Maltby Market in Bermondsey! It reminds me of what Borough Market used to be like. 40 Maltby Street, immediately on the left, is also great for food and some interesting natural wines.

Originally published on
21st August 2018

WANT MORE?

Then subscribe to our bi-weekly newsletter here: