Trivet is proof that fine dining doesn’t have to mean formal. The Bermondsey restaurant, which chef Jonny Lake and master sommelier Isa Bal opened together in 2019 and was awarded two Michelin stars in 2024, is loved for its relaxed atmosphere and approachable (yet exceptional) à la carte menu – which, for a two-star restaurant in London, is very rare – paired with wines from the Bal’s 350-strong list. And its lunch menu, featuring smaller portions for lower prices, offers Londoners a more affordable way to try Lake’s dishes. Earlier this year, Lake picked up another Michelin star for his Mayfair restaurant, Labombe by Trivet, Trivet’s younger sibling that opened in late 2025.
While Trivet might be Lake’s first restaurant, the Canada-born chef is no stranger to fine dining; he was executive head chef at The Fat Duck for 12 years, which is where he met Bal. These days, many of his favourite restaurants are unpretentious and lively, including a buzzy Soho udon spot and a Texas barbecue joint in London Bridge. Below, Lake shares his favourite London restaurants, bars and cafes with Broadsheet.
Hi Jonny! Is there anything happening in London’s food and restaurant scene that’s getting you excited at the moment?
I’m really excited about Endo’s new restaurant in Chelsea. Endo is a good friend, and it was heartbreaking to see what happened to his last restaurant. Rebuilding after something like a fire is incredibly difficult, but I’m certain he’ll come back better than ever. London has many brilliant Japanese restaurants, but Endo’s understanding of temperature is unmatched. That level of cooking requires enormous confidence, underpinned by exceptional ingredients and the relationships he has built to source them.
I’m also looking forward to seeing Tom Kerridge’s newly evolved restaurant and Georgie’s Bar at Corinthia London.
Apart from Trivet, are there any other Canadian chef-led restaurants in London that you love?
I have to mention Evan Moore at Labombe by Trivet. It’s been brilliant working with him, and I finally have another Canadian to talk to about ice hockey. It may seem simple for a Michelin-starred restaurant, but one of the things I’ve loved working on together are our fries. They are seasoned with a spice mix inspired by New York Fries, the Canadian fast-food chain we both remember fondly. We’ve come up with a blend that feels super familiar, but made with Turkish spices, as a nod to [Trivet co-owner] Isa [Bal].
What’s your go-to for a quick takeaway dinner?
Master Wei. One of the reasons my family and I love eating out in London is that we can constantly discover food we would never recreate at home. Master Wei is unlike anything I grew up with, and being able to just jump out and grab flavours like that makes me remember that we live in one of the best food cities in the world.
Where do you go to eat if you also want to have fun?
Koya in Soho. I love the atmosphere, the speed of the service and being right there alongside the kitchen. It always feels energetic and unpretentious.
If you have friends visiting from out of town, where are you taking them?
Bouchon Racine in Farringdon. Henry Harris is an exceptional chef and the team creates a natural warmth from the moment you arrive. I think that comes from the fact that the restaurant knows exactly what it wants to be, which is not easy. Isa always says it's the closest thing to being in France without leaving London, and I’d happily holiday in Bouchon for hours.
Where would you go for a good drink and a snack?
Texas Joe’s for a spicy Margarita and the little celeriac tacos.
What’s your favourite breakfast spot?
If I’m going big, it's got to be Pavyllon London, opposite Labombe, for its breakfast tasting menu. For something a little lighter, I also love Claridge’s Art Cafe for a coffee and one of Thibault Hauchard’s petits gateaux.
Where do you buy your groceries?
Spa Terminus, around Dockley Road. Farmer Tom Jones provides the meat for Trivet, so I love going to see those guys and then I pay a visit to The Ham & Cheese Co for salumi and the fishmonger for seafood. Many of the traders open to the public on weekends, so you can find almost everything you need in one place and Dockey Road neighbourhood restaurant is good for a quick snack too.
Is there a hidden gem in London that you think is special and more people should know about?
One of our neighbours at Trivet, Sollip. The technique is incredible, and the food combines Korean flavours with classical French foundations. Bomee Ki’s rice-based desserts are unbelievable; everyone should pay them a visit.
What’s your favourite sweet treat in London?
The ice-cream or chocolate from Alain Ducasse at Borough Yards. I can never choose between them.
What’s your bucket-list restaurant anywhere in the world?
Pascal Barbot’s L’Astrance in Paris. I’ve always admired his clean, precise and seemingly simple style of cooking, and who doesn’t love Paris?
