Chef Santiago Lastro was born in Mexico City and trained at Mugaritz and the Nordic Food Lab in Copenhagen, before working with René Redzepi on the Noma pop up in Tulum.
Now a Londoner, he has two restaurants, the Michelin-starred KOL (No 49 on the World's 50 Best list) and its more casual counterpart Fonda. In London, Islington is the place he calls home, and he's agreed to share his favourite local spots with Hot Dinners.
Devotion
2 Cross Street, London N1 2BL
This is definitely one of the best coffee shops I’ve ever been to. If you’re a fan of speciality coffee, this is the place to buy some of the best beans in the world. Every week, I pick up a new variety or process I’ve never tried before. You can also find big industry names here that are nearly impossible to get anywhere else.
Pophams Bakery
19 Prebend St, London N1 8PF
Probably everyone knows it, but for good reason. It’s a charming spot with great energy and delicious pastries and sandwiches. A big recommendation is their shop next door, where you can find amazing crafts for your home. Absolutely worth checking out!
Sushi Show
28 Camden Passage, London N1 8ED
I couldn’t recommend it more. They serve accessible, beautiful Japanese food every day, and it’s incredibly delicious. Just a few steps away in Camden Passage is Katsute 100, a Japanese tea house, definitely go explore their teas and sweets.
Trullo
300-302 St Paul's Rd, London N1 2LH
This is one of my favourite spots for pasta in London. It’s an institution! I highly recommend opening a bottle of wine and definitely trying their desserts, they’re incredible.
The De Beauvoir Arms
113 Southgate Rd, London N1 3JS
I love this pub. It has a great balance between tradition and seasonal gastropub offerings.
See also
For more of these local area guides, visit the My Manor page.
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