Blog by Jack Averill
After moving to London from Bastia Umbra in Central Italy, Fabio Berardi has found his new role at Rubicon as our Senior Sales Negotiator. I sat down with him to ask him about his experiences in the capital.
J.A How long have you lived in England?
F.B “I moved to Limehouse 2 1/2 years ago. I love the bars and the energy of London, but I particularly like the fact that I have changed the way I eat. I wouldn’t normally eat anything as adventurous as sushi, or indeed anything other than Italian food. The variety of places to eat is fantastic here and I’ve developed tastes for other foods like Lebanese and Mexican. We Italians pride ourselves on the quality of our food, however I’ll admit that other countries offer dishes that are just as good.
There is a great diversity here in Limehouse. I love being part of such a large melting pot and experiencing the interaction of people from different cultures. It creates such a buzzing atmosphere that I am proud to be part of.”
J.A Italians love their coffee, where do you like to get yours?
F.B There is only one place that serves a proper Italian coffee that scores ten out of ten. Short, rich, with a gianduia chocolate on the side and a glass of water, it has the original blend of coffee from Turin. For this, I go to Luciano Franchi Caffe on Charing Cross Road, which is my absolute favourite.
When I am at home in Limehouse I will go to Husk, where they also serve great coffee and have an incredible atmosphere.
If I’m in Canary Wharf I go to Brera, where I take it outside along the river and enjoy the view.
J.A If you are meeting with a group of Italians, where do you like to take them for dinner?
F.B There is only one place I would go with friends, and that is Chicchetto in Picadilly. Food is not too expensive, and it is the best Italian food in London. Another one of my favourites for a simple lunch is Ice and Slice in Fulham Broadway, where you can get a slice of pizza and the best ice cream in the city.
J.A You said you like to try foods from other countries, what is your favourite and where would you go to eat it?
F.B I love Sushi Samba, which is a Japanese / Peruvian / Brazillian restaurant. It is on the top floor of Heron tower so it has an amazing roof terrace.
The Hawksmoor in Covent Garden is another place I visit regularly, an old brewery with beautiful interiors. I always have the “Surf n’ turf”, which is a half fillet with lobster.
I also go to the burger and lobster bar in mayfair. It’s just so simple – two dishes: lobster and burger.
My absolute favourite for an easy night out would be Kyoto in Soho. It’s japanese sushi, fresh taste with impeccable quality.
J.A What do you tend to do on the weekends?
F.B I go shopping in Canary Wharf to buy my suits, TM Lewin usually. They have everything you need in Canary Wharf, and it’s open seven days a week. As you know, I always have my trousers taken up, I like them to look stylish with full sock exposure. I have a fantastic place called River Dry Cleaners on colt street. Zia Mohamed has my measurements on file and knows exactly how I like them.
Or I go to Soho, to Ronnie Scotts. I love the people, the bars and the restaurants.
J.A Where do go for a drink?
F.B I don’t drink alcohol, but that doesn’t stop be from going to bars. I like Jak’s cafe on New Kings Road, and Crazy Bear in Fitzrovia – that one has a great retro interior.
If I want to take a girl for a nice drink, I take her to Dirty Martini.
J.A Where have you been that’s really different?
F.B From May to September on Fridays and Saturdays, is street feast. It’s either in Lewisham, Dalston and Shoreditch.
Check it out at www.streetfeastlondon.com – it’s fantastic, they have large open spaces with gourmet food trucks and music playing.
J.A I love your new haircut, where did you get that?
F.B Splash in soho – I get it done by Alex, who is a friend of mine and fellow italian. I get a 1930s style cut with short sides, brushed back on the top.
He’s the very best, gets it right every time. I won’t let anybody else touch my hair.
J.A Any parting words?
F.B Tutta vita!!
