The Bear's Will Poulter on his secret London favourites
For Poulter, food isn't just sustenance; it's a way to connect communities, preserve traditions and support vital causes: 'London has enriched my life in so many ways — through music, film and food, to name just a few. It only makes sense to give back in a small way where possible,' he explains.
Away from the heat of the stove, he talks about the capital's culinary diversity, his favourite hidden gems, why Brixton Village should be protected and the importance of community work.
South London. I've quickly come to love it. I've felt very embraced by the south and my local community.
Paradise, which is a really special Sri Lankan restaurant tucked away on a Soho backstreet. It serves amazing food, working with a lot of Sri Lankan producers, and has a lovely team.
Tayer + Elementary in Old Street. Monica Berg is a genius mixologist. I think it's one of the best cocktail places in the country and the snacks are also delicious.
Black Axe Mangal in Highbury and Islington. There's no sign and it's very inconspicuous from the outside, but it's quietly and consistently one of the best and most unique meals you can get in the city. It's truly special.
Dizzee Rascal, in Bow in the early 2000s. I would have loved to go to some house parties and early grime sets.
Chishuru. Think stunning west African food served in both traditional and new creative ways. The growth of the restaurant and its impact is typical of so many African restaurants in London right now.
I'd make free school meals available to all young people.
Brixton Village. It has an incredible array of cuisines in one place and such a great atmosphere. It must be protected at all costs.
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To learn how to slow things down for yourself. It's important in a city that can feel as though it's moving at 100mph at all times. Try and make time to take care of yourself or that can pass you by.
I miss the diversity of cuisines available. Most of all I miss the Indian and Pakistani food that is so well represented here.
Premiering [the film] Detroit at the Fox Theatre in Detroit with the entire cast and several of the survivors.
New Horizon Youth Centre is a charity supporting young people who are homeless or unsafe, based in north London. It does vital work to meet the issue of supporting young people who are often not thought about in conversation and provisions that pertain to people experiencing homelessness.
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I'm so honoured and disbelieving of the fact that I get to be on the same menus as these brilliant chefs like Tomos Parry, and work with the talent in both the NoMad and the Side Hustle kitchen. The pickled melon is a nod to my first episode in The Bear, which was called Honeydew. It is otherwise a homage to my mum, who is the best cook I know. Her party trick is to eat a habanero chilli like a cherry, so there's a good amount of spice in there.
All the proceeds of the 'Tacos with Friends' series will go to the critical work City Harvest does — to re-divert food waste towards people who are experiencing food insecurity. I'd urge more restaurants to partner with them to reduce waste and support those in need.
I would love to see more communal spaces for enjoying food. I would love to see more places that are in a position to donate to do so, and I would love it if more training programmes could be introduced in local communities because kitchens and restaurants should be protected as meritocracies.
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