Paul Merret is the head chef at The Victoria, the acclaimed pub, dining room and hotel by Richmond Park. With stints at The Ritz, The Terrace, L'Interlude and The Greenhouse (both of which earned Michelin stars under his stewardship), Paul boasts some pretty impressive pedigree, but that's only part of the story. He's been involved in a whole host of television shows, his novel, Using the Plot, was published by Harper Collins, he runs cookery courses in the south west of France and he co-owns The Victoria to boot. When he's got some spare time Paul tries out the best London has to offer, and here are the places he recommends.

Orange Pekoe                                                                                   First thing in the morning I am a strong tea boy then I switch to coffee until early afternoon when it’s back to tea again! Orange Pekoe is a real tea room – beautifully done out, tranquil and laid back. Damn fine cakes too!
 
 
Papaya
As a young chef I worked in Sri Lanka and loved the food. Papaya makes Sri Lankan hoppas just as I remember them. Funnily enough a couple of years ago I mentioned them in an article and they stuck it up in their window – I popped in and explained about marketing rights! They sat me down and served up a feast. I’m hoping for a re run!
 

Terroirs Wine Bar 
I’m sure I hung out in wine bars back in the '80s like everyone else but they weren’t like this! Terroirs succeeds on more than one level – they have a great wine list, a real buzzy atmosphere and most importantly, a good selection of French-inspired, small sharing plates – oh and definitely no Sade on the hi-fi! When I’m being taken out – this is where we head!
 
The Victoria                                                                                  The Victoria is situated close to Richmond Park, we are a resturant, a pub and a hotel. Next time you are in West London and feeling peckish make sure you pop in and try us out - I'm in the kitchen most days so do say hello!

Grand Union
Not strictly a foodie destination at first sight but bear with me – I live close to this waterway and we regularly walk along the banks and at different times of year we come back laden with blackberries, nettles (great for soup) elderflower, elderberries, hazelnuts and even wild mushrooms – we Brits should exploit the wild side a bit more.

Paul Merret is co-proprieter and head chef at The Victoria by Richmond Park. Paul will be at the Foodie Festival in Battersea on Friday 29th July where he will be unveiling the world's largest ploughman's lunch, featuring over one tonne of Seriously Strong Cheddar cheese. For more information on the event, please click here.