Most of my time is spent (happily) chained to the kitchen. I do like to venture out every so often and when I do I like it to be worth it. Local, seasonal ingredients, thoughtfully cooked.

What follows is a list of a few places I’ve visited and loved. The kind of place you go to and can’t wait to return to work your way through the menu.

London

Ottolenghi – I love, love, LOVE this place. Go for dinner, go for brunch; then buy the cookbook.

Franco Manca (Brixton Market) – delicious sourdough pizzas with mostly organic ingredients and all for about £6!

Leon (various) – not your average chain, nice for dinner too!

The Anchor and Hope (The Cut, Waterloo)- amazing gastro pub. Try the sharing dishes and be prepared to wait!

Konstam (Acton St, King’s Cross) – lovely, lovely, lovely

The Giaconda Dining Room (Leicester Square)

The Salt Yard (Goodge St)- superb tapas

Lantana (Goodge St)- perfect coffee and huge breakfast sandwiches

And a few wine bars that do great bar snacks

Gordon’s Wine Bar (Embankment)

Terroirs (The Strand)

Vinotecha (St John St, Farringdon)

Oxford

I lived in Oxford for four years and managed to work my way through most of the restaurants. Things have probably changed but below are a few of my favourites.

The Big Bang – a MUST!

The Rose – the best scones. Ever.

Door 74

Cafe Coco – great cocktails and pizzas

Gee’s – bit pricey but very romantic

The Old Parsonage – same as above