My Plate & Place with… Portia Freeman

During the 2020 lockdown Portia started her now hugely successful ‘Portia’s Happy Hour’ series on IGTV where she creates a cocktail for followers to make at home. Guests on the series have included Jamie Oliver, Poppy and Cara Delevingne, Fearne Cotton, Daisy Lowe, Vick Hope and Sophie Ellis Bextor.

Portia is the resident cocktail expert on C4’s Sunday Brunch, and her drinks have been featured on ITV’s This Morning and in Hello Fashion, Vogue and Tatler magazine. Portia has also created cocktails for prestigious events such as London Fashion Week parties, The GQ Awards, and the BAFTA pre-party.

Describe your perfect day in London?

I feel like this is a trick question because I have many favourite ways to spend my day in London, but I’ll share my most wholesome idea of a day in London. It would have to start with a visit to my absolute fave, Sourdough Sophia – the Pain au Chocolat and Cinnamon Buns have been sent straight from the gods.

From there (Crouch End), we would walk to Hampstead Heath, and head straight to the café at Kenwood House for a coffee to take away and a cheeky brownie (the best in London!). This brownie is saved for later.

We’d then walk to The Red Lion & Sun in Highgate for some oysters and a stunning glass of white wine, followed by their heavenly Chicken Schnitzel and herb mash. OMG, I’m salivating!

From there, it’ll be around 3-4ish, and the walk home brownie is whipped out. A slow walk back gets us to Crouchie for about 5-ish and it’s the perfect time for a cocktail at our favourite spot (the corner of the countertop) at Lyon’s Seafood & Wine Bar. Mine will be a Sweet Manhattan, please!

Favourite restaurant?

Oooof gimme a bit of Toklas any time of the day. The dishes are just heavenly, the anchovies!!! I adore their zero-waste ethos behind the cocktail menu, something I sing very highly when creating cocktails at home and the whole vibe there. Highly recommend.

Best place for brunch?

Urmmm, my gaff! I make the meanest Spicy Bloody Mary; the food never stops, and the playlist is incredible.

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

Not a gallery or museum but still equally as stunning – Winchester Cathedral, it just blows my mind when you sit and absorb its true beauty and history.

Where are the best places to shop?

Right now, I’m obsessed with The Hambledon in Winchester, it literally ticks all the boxes from clothing to glassware, but if we’re shopping in London…? I’m a Selfridges girl – all under one roof and when you need a little break…Champagne and oysters for the win!

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

Always and forever The Red Lion & Sun, The Plimsol for a burger and a pint of Guinness, or Bruno’s.

Tipple of choice?

Depends on the mood… an ice-cold Dirty Martini to get me in the mood. A Negroni to enjoy at the start of a meal or an incredibly refreshing Mezcalita to enjoy with a main course. If I’m out out, I do love me a bit of Patron shaken up with ice and a splash of lime. Also, currently loving a Last Word…

Most relaxing place to unwind?

The Beaumont hotel or walking somewhere without phone signal somewhere in a field, preferably Crab Wood.

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

Hmmmm this is a good question, I’ve not been here yet and I would love to go just for the pure ‘find a cotch, get comfy and feel surrounded by water and stunning food and drink’ vibe… Soho River House in Windsor, so not exactly London but still that’s my immediate thought. 

What is your top London tip?

Know exactly where you want to go, plan it, and just have fun. London is such a great city that’s PACKED with beauty. Absorb it, drink a dirty martini, and fall in love. Not exactly a tip but something I love to do… take myself to a gorgeous bar, just me and my book. This is something everyone should try. Pavyllon in the Four Seasons is a great spot to do exactly this, order some of the food whilst you’re at it – you will not be disappointed. 

Tell us what you are currently up to?

I am currently working on lots of different recipes for very exciting projects! I’m curating a Halloween cocktail menu for Hilthe & Seek Hotel and planning for my next cocktail making workshop over at the broadcaster. Will be appearing on my fave Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch next month, oh and we’ve welcomed a new member of the family – Dallas the Vizsla pup. 

Very, very busy and absolutely loving it!

Make sure to follow Portia on Instagram to keep up to date on her latest work and TV appearances @portiaportiaaaa