My Plate & Place with… Lorcan Spiteri and Fin Spiteri

In 2020 he opened Studio Kitchen with his brother, Fin Spiteri and in 2022, they opened Caravel and Bruno’s, the much-loved floating restaurant and cocktail bar. In 2023, Lorcan was named by Time Out as one London’s hottest chefs and was part of Arsenal’s 23/24 collection.

Describe your perfect day in London?

When I’m off I like to start early with a walk on Hampstead Heath, followed by a burger at The Wells. In the afternoon, I spend time with my family, and then probably take a nap on the sofa.

Favourite restaurant?

That’s a near impossible question, but the last meal I had out was at Mountain – it was very impressive all round. The service, the food, the ambience, it was all spot on.

Best place for brunch?

I’m not a big brunch man, but I do like going to Pedros Café in Kentish Town with my Dad.

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

National Portrait Gallery before having lunch upstairs at The Portrait Restaurant.

Where are the best places to shop?

For food, I shop at Lidl on Holloway Road, but for clothes then it’s Adidas all day long.

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

I haven’t been drinking recently and the atmosphere is a little bit different when you are sober, but it has got to be El Camion in Soho.

Most relaxing place to unwind?

I love getting out of London and going to stay with my Mum in the Cotswolds for a few days when I’m in need of a break. It’s quite difficult to relax in London when everything is so fast paced and there’s so much going on around you.

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

Dim Sum and Duck, Max’s Sandwich Shop and Bouchon Racine. All completely different vibes, but if you’re in London on a mission to eat some great food then these are the places to go.

What is your top London tip?

Drive a moped, it makes getting around so much easier and faster.

Tell us what you are currently up to?

I’m working on a new opening in Kensington called The Blue Stoops. Keep an eye out for it!

He has consulted for a wide range of clients including Harrods, Jo Malone London & Polpo Restaurants. He also launched and ran the Flat Iron Square project in Borough before leaving to open Rochelle Canteen at the ICA.

In 2020 he opened Studio Kitchen with his brother, Lorcan Spiteri and in 2022, they opened Caravel and Bruno’s, the much-loved floating restaurant and cocktail bar.

Describe your perfect day in London?

London has so many beautiful green spaces, so my perfect day starts with a dog walk along the canal through Hackney and up to Shoreditch Park, where Bruno (my dog) can get off the lead for a proper run. I’ll usually take a coffee from Studio Kitchen with me, and then we’ll walk into Shoreditch for a plate of pasta at the outside tables at Padella. I can’t visit Shoreditch without dropping in on Mum who runs Rochelle Canteen. Bruno will have a sniff around the lawn there while we catch up over coffee, then I’ll drop the dog off and head to dinner. I’m currently obsessed with restaurants around Borough, so my wife and I will walk over the bridge and have an early dinner at Berenjak before walking back home, and finally stopping off at Bruno’s for a nightcap.

Favourite restaurant?

This changes so often, and there are so many that I enjoy. I have a soft spot for the Perilla lads, and Morchella is great—such a beautiful room. Likewise for Maison François, but I feel like I’m always tooting their horn!

Best place for brunch?

Who cares about brunch? Breakfast is where it’s at, and for me, I love Norman’s. I don’t care what anyone says, those boys get so much stick for frying eggs, it’s mad. Norman’s is great, and if that annoys you, maybe you’re the problem.

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

Running two restaurants and a bar doesn’t give me much time to visit museums or galleries, but the Victoria Miro is just around the corner from Caravel and I’d love to pay it a visit soon.

Where are the best places to shop?

Amazon, and I’m not ashamed to admit it! Having said that, I do enjoy a mooch around Nisbets when the feeling takes me.

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

I’ve not been drinking for the last few months and to be honest I get pretty bored sitting in a pub or bar nowadays. El Camion was always a good night out.

Most relaxing place to unwind?

A long lunch at Rochelle Canteen usually does the trick, it is so familiar and comforting – my happy place.

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

Rowans in Finsbury Park, what a gaff. It’s got bowling, karaoke and a dancefloor – how else would you want to spend one day in London?!

What is your top London tip?

Get a motorbike, everywhere (you want to be) is 15 minutes away.

Tell us what you are currently up to?

I am currently working myself to the bone at Caravel, Bruno’s and Studio Kitchen.

Make sure to book a reservation at Lorcan and Fin’s exceptional restaurant, Caravel – this place is a must-visit!