My Plate & Place with… Mike Reid

Formerly the Culinary Director of Rare Restaurants, Mike concluded his impactful tenure at the end of 2024. He is now the chef expert on the hit show “Taste Test Restaurant,” which premiered on Channel 5 in December to over a million viewers and has already been recommissioned for a second season.

In the UK, Mike is a familiar face as a judge on the Channel 4 and Netflix series “Five Star Kitchen.” He has made regular appearances on popular shows like “Saturday Kitchen,” “Sunday Brunch,” and “Steph’s Packed Lunch.” His past roles include being part of the chef lineup on “Ready Steady Cook” and ITV’s “Cooking with the Stars.”

Mike’s culinary journey began in his early years, but his professional career took off in 2001. He honed his skills at prestigious establishments like Le Gavroche and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in London.

His cookbook, “M: A 24 Hour Cookbook,” showcases his passion for creating internationally inspired, locally sourced culinary experiences.

Describe your perfect day in London?

My perfect day in London starts early with a coffee and a long walk before the city properly wakes up. I love that moment when London still feels slightly quiet and you can move between neighbourhoods without the rush. I’d probably head through Borough Market or around the east side of the city, then settle in somewhere proper for lunch. The ideal day would involve great produce, a wander through a market, maybe a gallery, and then a long, late dinner with good wine, good people and no need to be anywhere else.

Favourite restaurant?

That’s always a dangerous question because it changes depending on mood, company and what kind of meal I want. But St. John has to be right up there. It’s one of those places that feels completely honest – no fluff, no trend chasing, just brilliant cooking with real identity. I’ve always admired the confidence of it and the way it helped reshape how people looked at British food.

Best dish in London?

I should probably say something a bit more neutral here… but honestly, the crispy pig’s head at Chop House. Yes, it’s shameless self-promotion, but it delivers – crispy, rich, a bit theatrical and completely unapologetic. There are plenty of beautiful dishes in London, but this is the one I keep coming back to.

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

The last one I visited was the Tate Modern. I always enjoy the contrast there – the building itself, the scale of it, and then stepping back out into London again. I like galleries that reset your head a bit in the middle of a busy week.

Where are the best places to shop?

For food, I’m always drawn to the markets. Borough is still iconic for a reason, and I love any excuse to nose around quality produce, ingredients and specialist suppliers. Outside of food, I think London is best shopped by area rather than by plan – places like Marylebone, Soho and Spitalfields are great because you can still stumble across something unexpected.

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

I’m probably more pub than bar, if I’m honest. I like somewhere with a bit of character, a good pint, and enough atmosphere to feel lively without needing to shout across the table. The best nights out in London are rarely about where you start – they’re about where the night ends up.

Most relaxing place to unwind?

For me it’s the river in Richmond. I used to live there and opened a restaurant there many years ago, so I’ve still got a real affection for the area. There’s something about being by the water there that slows everything down – it feels a long way from the pace of central London.

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

I’d probably do London in layers – start with a great breakfast, walk through one of the markets, take in the river, stop at a gallery or museum, then finish with a proper lunch or dinner. I love the vibe and energy of east London – there are so many fantastic restaurants, from Smoking Goat to Manteca, along with great wine bars, cocktails and good shopping. You can learn a lot about London by eating your way through it.

What is your top London tip?

Walk it. Don’t try to tube everywhere. London reveals itself properly when you walk between places and let yourself go slightly off route. Some of the best bits of the city are found between the places you thought you were heading to.

Tell us what you are currently up to?

I’m juggling restaurant projects, media work and a lot of development behind the scenes. I’m heavily involved with Chop House and its evolution, while also continuing to work across TV, brand partnerships and new food concepts. I’ve also just launched my own YouTube channel, @mikereidchef, which has become a home for all my content – including TV shows from Australia that haven’t previously been available in the UK. I’m about to head off again on another Luxury Escapes TV shoot, so it’s a busy period, but exactly the kind of pace I enjoy.

To keep up with Mike’s latest projects, make sure to follow him on Instagram @mikereidchef.