Executive Chef at Le Café du Marche, Simon Cottard began his culinary journey under the Roux brothers back in the early Eighties, incorporating a stint at the acclaimed Le Gavroche. After moving to France to build upon his knowledge of French cuisine, Simon returned to our fair shores where his experience lead him to his current position; orchestrating affairs at that very able kitchen at Le Café du Marche.

Simon has been working at the celebrated Clerkenwell restaurant for over twenty years now, so it’s safe to say he knows what the capital’s foodies enjoy. So take a look at the places that Simon’s very fine palate recommends, and then head down and try them out for yourself.

Terroir's Wine Bar
One of my favourite places in London! They serve the kind of food I love with a great selection of sharing food; charcuterie, terrines and rillettes, plus the wine list is excellent!

Bentley’s                                                                                                                       Quality ingredients, well executed in a long standing London favourite.

Bill’s Produce                                                                                                                                 I had a birthday here recently and loved it, the ingredients were fresh and all the food was excellent. It’s a great place for the Summer as the doors open out fully and there are tables spilling out onto the courtyard.

Fox and Anchor                                                                                                                    This is Café du Marché’s neighbour and a worthy one, brought back to life about 5 years ago, with good traditional pub food as it should be. They do fantastic Devilled Kidneys on toast.

Coach & Horses                                                                           They have the best Scotch eggs in London, worth a visit just for one of these and a drink in their beer garden!

Dishoom                                                                                                             
The concept at Dishoom has been really well thought out and there’s much detail and many personal touches to the interior, I love the low hanging lights and the hustle and bustle and you can see the chefs working. The Lamb biriyani is worth a try.

Bistro du Vin                                                                                     I was invited to the launch by my friend the Chef John Woodward who is the chef that did the opening, I was really impressed how the site has changed and the interior since it was Eastside Inn. They had an impressive glass fridge with various cuts of quality meat hanging in the window and good bistro classics with a great wine selection using the ‘pay as you go’ system, so guests can try wines that they may not otherwise be able to.

Borough Market                         
I love wandering around this market, it is more touristy than it used to be but I wouldn’t let this put you off; it’s great for spending the day and trying lots of different produce. And to sit down in one of the many eateries and soak up the atmosphere.

Polpetto                                                                                          Again, I love this place due to the sharing concept, it’s very social eating and quality produce simply cooked.

Portrait Restaurant                                                                         This is one of Searcys places (the people who are opening up the Champagne bars at stations and shopping centres). They just always seem to get it right! I took my mum for Afternoon tea and sandwiches and it was perfect, with a fantastic view of London as it is situated on the top floor overlooking Trafalgar square and beyond,Take your mum and you are guaranteed to be in the good books for a long time!

Simon Cottard is the Executive Chef at Le Café du Marche in Clerkenwell.