Ravinder Bhogal is quickly establishing herself as the Queen of Marylebone, with Jikoni – a melting pot of cuisines inspired by her myriad upbringing and heritage – a mecca for London food lovers. Born in Kenya to Indian parents and raised in London, Ravinder’s food is an ode to Asian, African and Middle Eastern cooking. Her book Proudly Inauthentic Recipes from an Immigrant Kitchen, is a masterful collection of Jikoni’s best recipes. From her ‘Levantine salmon tartare with pickled fennel and labneh’ to the ‘tamarind and maple bacon with fenugreek waffles,’ Ravinder’s roster of recipes is as lively and dynamic as London itself.
Beyond just the food, Jikoni’s interiors are some of the best in the UK. With decorative, block-printed napkins in shades of pink dancing against the plush banquettes and colourfully clashing crockery, the magical dining room feel cosy and elevated in equal measure.
Here, journalist, chef, restauranteur and writer Ravinder talks us through a dream Sunday spent in one of London’s most historic neighbourhoods. Whether you’re a local looking to uncover some gems or a tourist needing some off-the-beaten-track central London tips, this guide is like spending a day with your chicest friend.
Spend a Sunday in Marylebone with Ravinder Bhogal
I opened our restaurant Jikoni, in Marylebone village eight years ago. It’s where I got to know my husband; where we broke-up, made-up and fell in love. We chose to have our marriage blessed by Father Stephen Evans here at the beautiful St Marylebone Parish, where poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning also took her vows. Marylebone is where I’ve had the best of times, and the worst of times, but this little London village offers several opportunities to make Sundays special.
I always start early with a brisk walk through Regent’s Park, where our restaurant also pops up during Frieze London. It’s especially spectacular in the autumn, with falling leaves and waning light reminding us to cherish the impermanence of things – seasons, lives, and love. Then I stop at Monocle on Chiltern Street to pick up a coffee followed by a stop at Shreeji News for my Sunday papers – it’s the most plushly put-together newsagent that also has a gallery space. Once caffeinated, I stroll to the Marylebone Farmers’ Market, a constant come rain or shine. You can find everything from the freshest seasonal organic and biodynamic produce to cakes, bread, and handmade pasta. But the market is about more than just food, there’s a particular comfort in seeing the same faces every week – a sense of community.
We do a wonderful globally-inspired brunch at Jikoni but eating at my restaurant means I am tempted to work, so I grab a bite at La Fromagerie instead, which is cheese nirvana. The owner Patricia Michelson is London’s most preeminent cheesemonger and champion of produce with great provenance and someone I really admire for her business nouse – she’s had her beautiful shop here for over 30 years and is full of wisdom. I can never resist their fabulous, toasted cheese sandwiches. I am especially partial to the one with truffle, which is cooked till perfectly crisp on the outside and gooey inside. I eat it with a side of pickles to cut through the richness. I try to eat healthily during the week, but weekends are more indulgent. Life is short – eat the grilled cheese sandwich. You can also buy a magnificent truffle brie in the cheese room which is made on-site, and the best Italian milk chocolate buttons (which Patricia told me to keep in the fridge – she was right – there are few better sensory pleasures than cold chocolate melting on the tongue.) Their candlelight fondue at La Fromagerie is also my idea of a dream date night. You get the picture – I am a fan.