Bob Bob Ricard is famous for the “press for champagne” buttons built into each of its luxe booths. But these novelties, which could have been designed purely for social media kudos, predate Instagram by two years – they’ve been part of the restaurant since its launch in 2008. That means it’s been almost 17 years since the opulent Soho restaurant started serving Londoners British and French classics, along with plenty of caviar, vodka and champagne. Another Bob Bob Ricard launched in the City in 2019, and its relaxed sibling – the chicken- caviar- and cocktail-spinning Bébé Bob – came along in 2023.
Group head chef Mikolaj Nelder leads the group’s food, keeping the blinis and beef wellingtons flying out of the Bob Bob Ricard kitchens and making sure the chicken remains succulent at Bébé Bob. Here, he shares where he eats and drinks around London, from a well-priced set menu to his pick for a caffeine fix and the east London caff he’s keen on.
What’s exciting you in London’s dining scene?
The team at Fallow has done a fantastic job of evolving zero-waste cooking while bringing it to a wider audience, elevating nose-to-tail dining to an entirely new level – and making it playful and approachable. At the same time, Fergus Henderson remains (and will always be) the godfather of this style of innovation, and St John is a must on any London dining list.
Chicken burger, chicken schnitzel, roast chicken … chicken is a Big Deal at Bébé Bob. But where do you go if you’re after a well-cooked bird?
The surge of chicken-focused restaurants in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable (and slightly mind-boggling). Fortunately, James Dimitri has done the hard work for us with his London rotisserie chicken guide. And spots like Café François and The Waterman’s Arms are serving some truly outstanding chicken dishes.
You’re in need of a quick lunch – where will you head?
Not only does it pour a cracking pint of Guinness (as everyone surely knows by now), but the set menu at The Devonshire – just £25 for two courses – is a fantastic deal for outstanding cooking.
Where do you go for a coffee fix?
Flat White in Soho – it serves some of the best coffee in town and has a playlist that’ll keep you awake.
It’s date night. Where are you booking?
I joined Bob Bob Ricard because my wife and I had visited the restaurant so many times over the years. I took the job partly to save myself from paying! The look and feel of the place will always remind us of the many evenings and countless dates we’ve enjoyed together.
You’re in need of a good drink and a snack. What’s your go-to?
Last year, Bébé Bob teamed up with Ryan Chetiyawardana and Mr Lyan Studio to create a cocktail menu. After visiting Ryan’s own bars, I’ve gained an even greater appreciation for his brilliance. Seed Library – the underground spot in Shoreditch – is a standout.
Your favourite breakfast?
E Pellicci’s – all English charm with a dash of pure old-school Italian madness.
What’s a hidden gem in London more people should know about?
Ben Tish and the team at Cubitt House pubs are doing a great job of creating proper boozers with brilliant atmosphere and top-notch pub food. Nothing pretentious, just the classics done well. The same goes for the crew at Lore of the Land in Fitzrovia.
What’s your bucket list restaurant?
We’ve long dreamed of opening a Bob Bob Ricard in Tokyo, and hopefully this will come to fruition in the next few years as we continue to evolve. This would also give me the opportunity to pop over to Singapore and visit Burnt Ends.
