London Restaurant Festival talks to Klaus Kabelitz, general manager of The Berkeley about eating in London.

LRF: What’s the last London restaurant you went to?
KK: The last restaurant I went to was Galvin La Chapelle.

LRF: Describe the best meal you’ve ever had in London.
KK: The best meal I’ve ever had was at The River Café. I had the most delicious grilled calamari and pasta dish on a warm summer evening accompanied by my colleagues – both General Managers for The Connaught and Claridge’s.

LRF: Which restaurants do you rate in your neighbourhood?
KK: We are very fortunate to have a variety of restaurants that offer a wonderful selection of international cuisines in our neighbourhood. The restaurants I particularly rate are Amaya for its tapas-style modern Indian food, Zuma for its contemporary Japanese cuisine and the French restaurant La Poule au Pot for its romantic atmosphere.

LRF: Which restaurants would you recommend to a tourist with one day to spend in London and why?
KK: I would recommend Galvin at Windows on the 28th floor of the Hilton in Park Lane for great food and a spectacular view of London. For immaculate service and the best food in town I recommend Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley.

LRF: Where do you go for a great Sunday roast in London?
KK: One of my favourite places to go for a Sunday roast is the Electric Brasserie in Notting Hill. You can sit outside when it’s sunny and look onto the Portobello Road. Alternatively, when it’s cold and wet outside you are just next-door to the Electric Cinema.

LRF: What’s the best coffee shop in London?
KK: Daylesford Organic in Pimlico.

LRF: What’s your favourite London pub or bar?
KK: My favourite London bar is The Blue Bar at The Berkeley. Designed by David Collins, the balance between the contemporary and historical finishes makes it one of a kind. I must admit to enjoying a martini once in a while at The Connaught Bar from their signature martini trolley.

LRF: Which London farmers’ market, food shop or suppliers would you recommend?
KK: Pimlico Farmers’ Market within walking distance of Sloane Square. Borough Market is also an all-time favourite.

LRF: Who is your ideal dinner companion?
KK: Peter Ustinov.

LRF: What do you like to cook the most?
KK: Chilli chicken with lemon and garlic.

www.the-berkeley.co.uk

BOILING POINT lifts the lid on London’s restaurant scene with regular interviews with London chefs, restaurant managers and restaurateurs.