CHATEAU EXCURSIONS Episode No. 6: London with Jackson Boxer, Chef
To mark the launch of Chateau Orlando autumn/winter 2024: “THE BALLAD OF PAN” arriving at London’s Selfridges, Luke Edward Hall speaks to his friend, chef Jackson Boxer, about his daily rituals and favourite spots in the city.
Back in 2022 Chateau Orlando threw a winter party at Brunswick House, one of Jackson’s restaurants in London and a favourite of Luke’s. We celebrated “THE BALLAD OF PAN” with a special breakfast at Jackson Boxer at The Corner, Selfridges.
Where to have breakfast:
My favourite breakfast is hot toast and cold butter, with a preserve or two, and I've never been anywhere that can serve me this better than I can make it for myself at home. That said, for a coffee and pastry, which is acceptable, I drop into my Dad's deli Italo in Vauxhall.
Your favourite place to shop for groceries?
My friend Andy Harris has an amazing shop called the Ealing Grocer in West London. He's my vinegar merchant, and imports rare vinegars from all over Europe. Since I don't drink I've become faintly obsessed with vinegar, as it's the closest I can get to the really interesting and specific tones and energies I can no longer find in wine. He also makes his own ice cream, and always has an incredible selection of fruit, vegetables and cheeses, not to mention tinned fish and other delicacies.
Where to have lunch:
After ten years, Lyles is still my favourite restaurant for lunch. The food is beautiful, pure, understated, uncompromising, but always delicious.
A favourite lesser-known spot:
My favourite restaurant currently is Planque, which few people seem to have heard of, but it's staggeringly good, and every time I visit I kind of wonder why I ever go anywhere else.
What's so great about London restaurants?
Their diversity – London is a truly global city, and there's nothing more life affirming than wandering its streets enjoying little bites of this and that from here and there.
A favourite walk:
St James Park on a cold early morning.
Which kitchen tool could you not live without?
The older I get the fewer tools I use – a good knife and a nice stone to keep it sharp, nothing much else required.
Do you have a favourite building in the city?
I miss the Nine Elms Cold Store very much, it terrified me as a child, and I'm still haunted by it.
Where are you wanting to try next for dinner?
Very keen to get down to the new Osip outside Bruton in Somerset, I'm a great admirer of Merlin's cooking.
The best pudding?
Whatever is on the menu at Quo Vadis. In fact the whole pudding menu at Quo Vadis, taken together, is the best pudding.
Good London reading:
Hangover Square by Patrick Hamilton.