My Plate & Place with… Sally Abé

As a mentor and advocate for women in hospitality, Sally has become a leading voice for equality, diversity, and work/life balance in the industry.

Sally has won multiple awards during her career, including ‘Female Chef of the Year’ in the SquareMeal Ayala Female Chef Awards 2021. Sally is also a familiar face on TV, regularly appearing on Saturday Kitchen Live, James Martin’s Saturday Morning, and reaching the banquet on Great British Menu 2022.

Sally has shared with us some of her favourite ways to experience London.

Describe your perfect day in London?

I’m really enjoying London Fields; taking a stroll down Broadway Market, looking at all the stalls and nick-nacks and then having a bite to eat on the bank of the canal. I’ll then walk up to Columbia Road to look in the little antique shops and get a fat slice of cake from the Lily Vanilli bakery. Heaven.

Favourite restaurant?

Ooooo I can’t pick just one! My favourite that I’ve visited recently is Chishuru in Fitzrovia. Joké’s take on West African food and flavours is just so original, honest, and ground-breaking all in one. I love that the restaurant is casual and friendly with a laid-back vibe, but the food will absolutely knock your socks off. I really enjoying trying flavours that I am unfamiliar with, and Joké is such a creative cook and a lovely human being to boot.

Best place for brunch?

I’m not the biggest breakfast/brunch person. I normally save myself for lunch but if I am going to brunch, I would choose Eggslut in Notting Hill. It does exactly what is says on the tin and is equal parts delicious greasy and rich. Perfect for a fuzzy head at the weekend. My go to order is the sausage, egg and cheese and truffle hashbrowns.

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

The last museum I visited was the Tate Britain to see Women In Revolt – Art and Activism in the UK 1970-1990. It was a very powerful and eye-opening exhibition.

Where are the best places to shop?

I love charity and vintage shops. North End Road in Fulham has the best selection of charity shops – I’ve got so many designer pieces from there for next to nothing (giving away my secrets!). Also, Brick Lane is one of my favourite places for vintage finds.

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

I really love Old Street Records in Shoreditch. It starts off as a bar in the early evening, then they take all the furniture out later in the night and the DJ cranks the music up and everyone starts dancing. They do a fantastic margarita, and the tunes are a great mix of old and new with thumping basslines.

Most relaxing place to unwind?

When I need a break from a busy day in Westminster (where my restaurant, The Pem, is based) I’ll go and walk down by the water in St James’s Park. It’s so picturesque and they have the most impressive flower displays over the summer months. There’s normally an ice cream van there too so I’ll sit on the grass with a Mr Whippy and watch the world go by.

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

I think if I hadn’t been before it would have to be Notting Hill. It’s one of my favourite parts of London with so many amazing restaurants, bars, and antique shops.

What is your top London tip?

I think it’s important to plan ahead if you are visiting London – all the best restaurants get fully booked up months in advance, especially at weekends. If you are desperate to try somewhere but haven’t secured a reservation, try a walk-in at lunch – you might just get lucky.

Tell us what you are currently up to?

I’ve just released my memoir – A Woman’s Place is in the Kitchen so am spending the summer doing various talks and demos at festivals all over the country so this is certainly keeping me busy! My restaurant, The Pem, is hibernating on its summer break for a couple of weeks so we are also getting ready to reopen with a bang at the end of August.

Make sure to check out Sally’s outstanding restaurant, The Pem.

Main photo by Food Story Media Ltd