JEREMY LEE MBE, QUO VADIS
Jeremy Lee is the legendary Chef-Proprieter of Quo Vadis in Soho.
Known for his warm and generous personality, he is celebrated for modern British cooking that puts the emphasis on seasonal high-quality ingredients.
We met up with Jeremy at the restaurant in Dean Street. He immediately gave us a brief history of the buildings colourful past including it being a brothel and former home to Karl Marx.
The restaurant passed through several hands before the Hart brothers purchased it in 2008 with Jeremy joining in 2012 after spending 18 years running the kitchen at the Blueprint Cafe in the Design Museum.
MC – Were you involved with refurbishing the building?
JL- “It was unlike anything I’ve ever done before. It was a well knocked about building which had fallen on hard times and was in need of renovation. We were limited as to what could be done as the building is of significant historical interest and is Grade 1 listed. The kitchen (in the basement) had to be opened up to make it more functional and we also have the club on the first floor.”
MC – How do you plan the menu?
JL – “ Everything is based on what is available and in season. There is always a “Pie of the Day” and the other constant is the Smoked Eel and Horseradish sandwich”.
Our photographer Jill breaks from noisily directing Jeremy to ask what he likes to cook for himself at home.
“Oh golly, just something simple really. You know sometimes it’s beans on toast that hits the spot.”
Jeremy takes us down into the kitchen where prep for lunch is underway. He explains some of the dishes that are being prepared in between changing jackets for the shoot.
The atmosphere is calm and focused with a real feeling that everyone enjoys what they do here.
After the recovery from the pandemic lockdowns restaurants are now facing the challenge of the cost of living crisis with rising operating expenses and inflation.
JL- “I don’t know anyone who’s not concerned. We change the menu monthly here and we are looking at everything that’s on there daily. The margins are that tight. It must be the same for you too with clothing made here in London?”
DM – “Yes it is. Everything has increased in price, but we believe that people recognise quality and come back for something that makes them feel good. I think that Quo Vadis and MISSING are similar in this respect. You return to the same restaurant because you know the food is good and you will have a fabulous time. And with the clothing, if it’s well made, makes you feel good you will buy again.
Jeremy wears : M01 Klein Jacket, M04 Indigo Shirt : M01 Chambray Jacket, M04 Indigo Shirt : M04 Indigo Shirt.
Quo Vadis Restaurant – 26/29 Dean Street, London W1D 3LL – 0207 437 9585
quovadissoho.co.uk
Imagery Jill Meade