When Sally Abé announced the impending launch of her first standalone restaurant, Teal, earlier this year, London diners knew they were in for something special.
The chef, who fine-tuned her skills under Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s and Brett Graham at The Ledbury, before moving on to lead the team at The Harwood Arms, launch The Pem in St James’s, then do a stint at The Bull in the Cotswolds (phew!) has hit the mark with spot-on British cooking that takes in the contemporary and the classic. Along with modern renditions of Victorian classics like lockets savoury (stilton and pears on toast) and penny licks (tiny scoops of ice-cream in a glass coupe), Abé and her team are weaving magic with seasonal British ingredients – chalk stream trout, fallow deer – to create deeply comforting dishes that warrant repeat visits.
Now Abé has finally got her name above the door, she’s ready to pull other women up alongside her. “I’m … a passionate advocate for spotlighting women-owned and women operated restaurants,” she tells Broadsheet. “Alongside Kayla Lawrie, Topjaw’s producer, we have created a female-owned hospitality map highlighting women-owned businesses and helping them get the recognition they deserve.”
Between Teal and the map, Abé hits plenty of London restaurants. “I love eating and drinking. For me, food is all about creating memories and bringing people together,” she says. So, we asked her to share her top restaurants, bakeries and more in the capital and beyond.
What’s getting you excited about London’s restaurant and dining scene at the moment?
There are so many exciting new openings happening across London, which is amazing to see, particularly given how challenging the industry has been. I love seeing people taking a chance, backing themselves and giving something new a go. There’s a real sense of energy and creativity.
You’re a big advocate for restaurants led by women. Any you’ve been to lately you’d like to shout out?
I recently went to Sohaila, which I really enjoyed. I’m also keen to get to Hausu and Little Duck The Picklery. I love seeing more women creating their own spaces and putting their stamp on the London food scene.
Teal has made waves in Hackney this year – but which other local restaurants do you rate?
There are so many places I love around Hackney and east London. Tiella is a favourite, as are Rogue Sarnies and Mambow. I also love Seed Library in Shoreditch.
Favourite bakery?
Arome Bakery is a favourite, their honey butter toast is seriously good. I’m also desperate to try Aries Bakehouse.
Where do you go for a drink and a snack?
The Shaston Arms is a really great spot for a drink and something to eat; there are always delicious snacks on the menu, perfect for when you fancy a quick bite.
What’s your pick for date night?
I’d probably do something a little different, rather than a traditional dinner. Mini golf, axe throwing, or maybe a rage room – you can learn a lot about someone seeing how they handle one of those!
Where do you take out-of-towners to show them the best of London?
Kismet. The food is brilliant, the wine is great, and it’s a really fun place to take people who want to experience London’s food scene.
What’s a hidden gem more Londoners should know?
The Wei near Fulham Broadway do incredible hand-pulled noodles. It’s one of those places that I think deserves a lot more attention.
What’s your bucket-list restaurant?
The Alchemist in Copenhagen has been on my list for a long time. The whole experience seems fascinating and I would love to see what they’re doing firsthand.
