Born the son of a Tyneside fisherman, The Ritz London executive chef John Williams developed his passion for food at an early age. His decorated career, spanning more than 40 years, began at the Percy Arms Hotel Otterburn in 1974 and includes the kitchens of prestigious hotels The Savoy, Claridge's and The Berkeley.
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He has been a member of the Academy of Culinary Arts for more than two decades, was the first British chef to be awarded a CMA by the French government, and in 2008 he was awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. See theritzlondon.com.
THE LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERY OF THE PAST YEAR?
Goodwood Home Farm. They have some beautiful organic Aberdeen Angus Beef and organic British lamb, as well as some excellent dairy products. It is all about the farm, a complete set-up with very good quality cheese, meat and dairy. See www.goodwood.com
WHAT IS LONDON'S BEST-KEPT FOOD SECRET?
The Ritz. People have an impression of what dining at The Ritz will be like – however, when they experience The Ritz Restaurant it is completely different to how they would have imagined. The dining room itself is one of the most beautiful in London, and is almost like stepping back into a golden era. And while the food is classic, it is still very relevant for the modern-day diner.
The Kitchen Table at Bubbledogs is also an excellent secret. It is very discreet and you sit around a counter, overlooking the open kitchen, and can watch the chefs cooking. They talk you through each course, and the tasting menu is up to 14 courses so there is plenty to try. It's unique and improvised. The menu changes regularly but some of the favourites remain. They use locally-sourced produce which I appreciate. See www.kitchentablelondon.co.uk
PLACE TO GO ON A DAY OFF?
I love to go horse racing. On a recent Sunday I went to Ascot with some of the chefs in my brigade. Golf is my main passion and I love to get out on the course whenever I can.
Otherwise in London, I like to go to Shoreditch and Brick Lane, Hoxton, in the East End. A regenerated area, it's the fashion central of London – full of cool bars, trendy restaurants and street food, art, graffiti - something for everyone.
FAVOURITE INDULGENCE IN LONDON?
Fine wine. I recently discovered Grange Hermitage from the Adelaide Hills on a trip to Australia in February this year.
Also MEATliquor do great burgers and chicken wings – a guilty pleasure. See www.meatliquor.com
PLACE TO GO FOR A BIG NIGHT OUT?
Dinner with good friends at my house, cooked by me. That's my perfect Saturday evening. Also, Lab Bar in Soho has a huge cocktail menu, great drinks and the prices aren't too scary. See www.labbaruk.com.
BEST TIME TO VISIT, AND WHY, FOODWISE IN LONDON?
In London there is always good quality, seasonal produce available, but for me, spring is my favourite time of year. My daughter will often come round on the weekend and we'll go for a walk – I love to look out for things and changes in the season. For example, this weekend I saw the first garlic leaf growing, nettles, as well as wild daffodils. Food-wise, some of my favourite ingredients are in season during the spring – broad beans, asparagus, spring lamb, wild salmon, morels …
WHAT SHOULD A VISITOR AVOID, FOOD-WISE, IN LONDON?
Eclectic restaurants – restaurants that are trying to do everything. I recommend going to a specialist. I am a great believer in not crossing cultures (especially in pubs). Street food is becoming a really big trend, particularly in London. My tip would be to avoid the hot dog vendors.
WHAT'S HOT IN THE AREA RIGHT NOW?
The Fat Duck, because it has just been relaunched following its visit to Melbourne. Or The Typing Room in Bethnal Green which is in East London's Town Hall Hotel. Or Portland Restaurant on Great Portland Street - http://portlandrestaurant.co.uk/ - it's very small, and very good.
