The London Look: Asimakis Chaniotis

A talented chef who's worked in every type of kitchen - hotel chains, British pubs, fine dining restaurants, banquet halls and exhibition centres, even private cheffing on a yacht - Asimakis Chaniotis is as flavor-filled as his food.

 For the past 13 years he's been posted up at Pied à Terre, where at just 28 he became the young Michelin-starred name in town. Though of course, you can't expect talent to stay put, with Chaniotis now off on his own, soon to debut a sure-to-be delicious new project.

Curious where this culinary Londoner can be found out and about?

Where are you from originally?
I was born and raised in Athens, Greece, one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

What brought you to London?
I suppose curiosity to see the world and also bigger opportunities in my line of work.

How long have you been here?
I have been in London since 2011, so 13 years.

What neighborhood do you call home?
I live in Highgate, but Crouch End is where I call home. It's funky, it has great places to hang out and it's beautiful too.

What's your job?
I am an Executive chef and entrepreneur.

What do you actually do all day?
Trying to check on my staff, lead them the right way, inspire them and work in new concepts, new dishes, new ideas and get me creativity going at all times.

Social smoker?
Oh yes, nothing better than fags when the first drinks start flowing.

Go-to pint?
Neck Oil or Guinness, or as I call it with my mates, Tiramisu. 

Crisp of choice?
TORRES with iberico ham flavour.

Preferred pub?
The Flask in Highgate.

What's worth the wait?
See my beautiful girlfriend Lucia, the most amazing cute, sexy, thing giving me shit that left the house a mess before I leave the house and I did not take the rubbish out. 

Tube or Boris bike?
I’m riding my Harley and Ducati all the time, but if i have to choose that would be Boris bike. 

Tesco or Sainsbury's?
Tesco, every little helps.

Weekend getaway trip?
Getaway trip all the way, I like going around, meeting new people, new villages, new suppliers, new idioms, everything. 

Marmite or marmalade?
Marmalade, nothing like a PBJ.

British stereotype that rings true?
They apologise a lot.

How do you take your tea?
Rare Earl Grey medium sweet with condensed milk. 

Most British thing about you?
My sense of humour. 

Least British thing about you?
How expressive I can be. 

Remedy for a rainy day?
Drink all day to get through it. 

First thing you miss when you leave London?
The amount of choices you have to do anything. 

Private Members Clubs - yay or nay?
Hmmm tricky question. 95% is Nay but there is a 5% out there where all the way YAY.

Where in town are you almost always?
Soho and Fitzrovia. I’m there 12 hours a day. 

Where in town would you never be caught dead?
Hackney. 

Best place for a fun night out?
Sexy Fish. 

How would you describe your style?
Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Top shopping spots?
Oxford Street, I like it - it has everything in a close radius and I do not like shopping online.

What's your greatest extravagance?
Motorbikes. 

Cheap thrill?
Portobello Market. 

Who's your favorite person in town?
Ian Mckellen, you can see him strolling around in Soho, he is super tall, and has a grandfather figure but in a very cute and kind way.

What's your most overused Briticism?
BRUV INNIT?

Reading anything good at the moment?
Unreasonable Hospitality. 

What are you most excited for next?
I am very excited to be opening my new restaurant soon after 12 years at the prestigious Pied à Terre in London and I won numerous accolades and Michelin stars throughout the years. 

A place where you will have amazing food, great vibes, drinks and laugh, smile and create memories.

[Photos by Kirk Truman]