My Plate & Place with… Tom Cenci

He has lived in Istanbul and Canada, as Head Chef for Harvey Nichols and leading the kitchen at a 5-star boutique hotel Nita Lake Lodge respectively, and in 2007 was named Best New Chef by Time Out.

In 2012, Tom worked on the launch of Duck & Waffle in London where for six years he helped shape the brand’s playful take on traditional British cuisine. In 2016 he launched ‘Loyal Tavern’ to critical acclaim with restaurateur Adam White, with a menu of seasonal British produce and a strong play on comfort food.
Most recently, he was Head of Food at 26 Grains, which he was appointed after hosting a residency at Stoney Street in 2021.

Tom is also a founding member of Hospitali-Tee, a programme raising mental health awareness to improve the wellbeing of hospitality professionals.

Tom was kind enough to share some of his top suggestions for getting the most out of London.

Describe your perfect day in London?

A good coffee and pastry, followed by a long lunch, some natural wine, maybe an exhibition and then a Guinness and a packet of crisps to finish.

Favourite restaurant?

Facing Heaven, a vegan restaurant in East London serving Sichuanese food. It’s next level good and I can’t even believe it’s vegan. Every dish is a flavour bomb and I’ve never had a bad meal there.

Best place for brunch?

It seems biased, but Nessa’s brunch menu is so good. The chefs have created some great nostalgic dishes, and some are the perfect hangover cures, too.

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?

I take my children to the Natural History Museum a lot. I have a membership which allows you to not only skip the queue but also get you into the Anning Rooms café, which is perfect for escaping the crowds.

Where are the best places to shop?

For me it would be vintage shops, there are plenty around, but Covent Garden has some excellent ones like Rockit or Picknweight.

Preferred bar or pub for a great night out?

London has so many good pubs, but as a Guinness drinker, I would have to go to Auld Shillelagh in Stoke Newington.

Most relaxing place to unwind?

Richmond Park. It’s that little escape from London life, full of good walks, scenic views, and lots of roaming deer.

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

Highbury & Islington is full of top restaurants, bars, pubs, and of course, home of the Arsenal.

What is your top London tip?

Research the areas you want to go to. You can find a lot of what you are looking for in the same location, which means you won’t have to trek across London, which can be timely.

Tell us what you are currently up to? 

Apart from working hard as always, I’m currently in training for the Swim Serpentine, which is taking part in Hyde Park for charity.

Tom is actively involved in a number of restaurants, and we can’t recommend the brilliant Nessa highly enough.

Main photo by David Robson