#INSPIREDBY DAVID WADDINGTON

David Waddington is one of the coolest men in restaurants. Alongside business partner Pablo Flack, he founded industry stalwart Bistrotheque restaurant in Hackney which just celebrated its 15 year birthday, as well as Hoi Polloi at Ace Hotel. We fondly remember their King’s Cross project Shrimpy’s... which was the epicenter of cool.

What was one of the very first dishes you remember eating?

Chips had a central role in my formative years, in fact the chip pan was never cold.

Who is your food hero?

I always come back to Elizabeth David's cookbooks for inspiration. Her books helped us from the beginning of Bistrotheque, and now that simplicity feels reassuring and more relevant than ever. We have her Onion and Gruyere tart on our delivery menu in homage, and its delicious.

What is your guiltiest food pleasure?

Pork Pies

Which restaurant to you long to return to?

The last restaurant Ali and I went to before lockdown was St John, so it would be neat to kick off again there. Bones and parsley salad, some hake or plaice, and a big fat pudding. I love St John puddings. Of course I'm also desperate to open the doors at Bistrotheque and Hoi Polloi, and we're busy working out the best ways to do that.

What would be your last meal?

Gratin dauphinoise, mash, chips and duck fat roasties.

What dish do you cook the most at home?

Roast chicken, its nice to cook a Fosse bird from QCH shop with lots of veg. So generally simple, homely stuff. After weeks of just Ali and I at the kitchen table it's been great to have friends over for dinner in the garden.

What restaurant T-shirt would you wear?

Giles Deacon did a smasher for St John.

Favourite vegetable?

Potato

Most-used condiment?

Chilli sauce. Since a trip to Merida, Habanero is a favourite, addictive stuff.

Most over-rated dish?

Caviar

Favourite restaurant anywhere in the world?

One under palm trees on a white sandy beach, with lobsters on the grill and very cold beer

Favourite fast food joint?

Five Guys

Quick Fire
Breakfast in bed or in the hotel restaurant?

Restauran t- I love a breakfast buffet!

English Breakfast Tea or Long Black coffee?
Black coffee please

Martini - gin or vodka?
Gin, with a twist

Ketchup or mayo?

Mayo

Stella or Boli?

Boli

London or New York?

London every time.

City break or hideaway

Hideaway