My Plate & Place with… George Colebrook

His introduction to hospitality began while studying at clown school in Paris, where he took a part time role at Yard. It was here that he fell in love with kitchens, gaining experience in whole animal butchery and preserving.

He then went on to work at Jones, also in Paris, before moving to London to work at Koya and 6 Portland Road. It was through a move to Berlin to work at Barra that he met his future business partner Neil Paterson, who co-founded Barra in 2018.

In 2021, George moved back to London where he worked as sous chef at Bright. In 2024 George and Neil founded Arete, a culinary service specialising in bespoke dining experiences across the UK.

We grabbed some time with George to find out some of his favourite things about London…

Describe your perfect day in London?

A black Americano, a bit of Radio 3 and a quick watering of my garden to start the day. After some menu writing, I would head into town for a nice long lunch, somewhere like Quo Vadis, or Kiln if I fancied some spice. Then a stroll through Regent’s Park before heading home to read some cookbooks, with a light Comté cheese and girolles mushroom omelette before drifting off while watching a Scandi noir series. 

Favourite restaurant?

Leo’s, in Chatsworth Road. Beautiful Italian food, run by my old head chef who is a master in the kitchen.

Best place for brunch?

I would go to St. John for a pint and get some of the delicious plates from the bar menu, such as bone marrow on toast or Eccles cake and Lancashire cheese

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

I went to see an exhibition at the Hayward Gallery – it’s such a wonderful and expansive space. I also love the Museum of the Home in Shoreditch, which takes you through people’s homes and interiors for the last 500 years.

Where are the best places to shop?

It’s harder and harder to stumble across an independent shop these days, but I like to wander around Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross, they have a good kitchen shop there, Kitchen Provisions, and a great shop for outdoors bits and clothes, called the Outsiders Store. 

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

The Plimsoll in Finsbury Park is a great starting point – Guinness and delicious food. And then you have Rowans bowling alley around the corner for after.

Favourite tipple?

If it’s a warm day, Campari soda. If it’s not, or even if it is, a vodka martini, sorry not dry.

Most relaxing place to unwind?

I love going to Highgate Wood for a walk and then finding a spot to sit and read my copy of the Financial Times weekend magazine.

If you had only one day in London, where would you visit?

Because I’m a chef, I would go to Smithfield Market for its history, Borough Market for its produce and then dinner at Planque in Dalston. Any visit for me to a new city is dictated by food.

What is your top London tip?

Walk everywhere, avoid Oxford Street, and look for independent pubs. And have the set lunch at Quality Wines but keep that one secret!

Tell us what you are currently up to?

Arete, our private dining company, has had a busy summer, with lots of events and weddings pop ups. We are now getting ready for winter, writing menus, organising some pop ups abroad and preserving the fruits of summer for the months to come. And my wife and I are renovating our house.

For more information about George’s work at Arete, check out the website for all the details.

Main photo by Sam Harris