Cover Mr Lyan, also known as Ryan Chetiyawardana, is a world-renowned mixologist with many awards up his sleeve
Mr Lyan, also known as Ryan Chetiyawardana, is a world-renowned mixologist with many awards up his sleeve
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Mr Lyan, the man behind bars Seed Library, Silver Lyan and Super Lyan, spills his go-to spots to get your quintessential London favourites
Mr Lyan, also known as Ryan Chetiyawardana, is a world-renowned mixologist with many awards up his sleeve. His Lyan team is known for their scientific and detailed approach to flavour and sustainability across their bars, including Seed Library in Shoreditch, Silver Lyan in Washington D.C. and Super Lyan in Amsterdam. Lyaness, parked by the Thames on Southbank in London, was most recently awarded three pins by The Pinnacle Guide, the first and only bar to do so.
With his new TV show, Mr Lyan's Taste Trips, he travels around the world exploring flavour and all things deliciousness – however with us, he zooms in on his local favourites in London.
A connoisseur of fine food and drink, there might be no one better to share their favourite spots to get your British staples.
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For a pub experience, go to The Marksman
Above The Marksman Pub
Above The Marksman Pub
The Marksman Pub
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The Marksman is one of the top contenders for the best pub to get a true British experience, with the interior designed by London-based Italian designer Martino Gamper. With a great food menu and wine list, have the best of seasonal British produce in this gorgeous corner lot off Hackney Road.
Capturing the history of London in a pub, they are a self declared “proper boozer”, and a traditional pub experience and atmosphere is something you can’t miss. Just a stone’s throw from Hackney City Farm, maybe after a couple pints you can trot over and admire newborn baby piglets.
And if you’re looking for an exceptional pint of Guinness, Ryan gives a special shout out to The Toucan in Soho.
The Marksman Pub
Address: 254 Hackney Rd, London E2 7SB, United Kingdom
For a Sunday roast, go to The Duke of Richmond
The quintessential perfect Sunday ritual consists of a few things, and a non-negotiable for many is the perfect roast. According to Mr Lyan, his best roast is in The Duke of Richmond, a neighbourhood pub and restaurant in Hackney. Their menu serves modern European with a focus on seasonal British produce.
Their potatoes are roasted with beef dripping, creating a super crisp exterior coated with flavour. You’ll find other classic sides such as carrots, Yorkshire puddings, and choose between beef, lamb, chicken, or cauliflower as your main. If you’re feeling bold, get a mix of all the meats.
The Duke of Richmond
Address: 316 Queensbridge Road, London, E8 3NH
For a bakery run, go to Jolene
Above Jolene
Above Blood orange, pistachio & custard danishes (Instagram: @jolene_newingtongreen)
Jolene
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Freshly made pastries and bread at your doorstep at virtually every corner of London is certainly one of life’s greatest pleasures, but some top the list more than others. Jolene in Newington Green is a bakery first and foremost, with a restaurant attached.
An ever-changing menu for both their bakery and restaurant, you can find classics such as their pain au chocolat, oozing with rich, decadent chocolate that is not too sweet, encased in buttery, flaky pastry. During lunchtime they have a great sandwich selection using seasonal ingredients and incredible bread from flour that they mill themselves. A relaxed vibe with an industrial leaning cosiness, it’s a great spot to hang out with your pals in the day time for a croissant, or a small plates and natural wine situation in the evening.
Jolene
Address: 21 Newington Grn, Mayville Estate, London N16 9PU, United Kingdom
For the best late night suppers, go to Chinatown
Post service hunger rattles at your door like no other, and according to Ryan, you might find him “smashing too much roast meat and noodles somewhere in Chinatown.” A few spots in Chinatown are great to grab a bite after dark, and spoiled for choice, his top picks are Wong Kei and Lotus Garden for dim sum if it’s not too late, Speedboat Bar for great Thai food, or Old Town 97 for great Cantonese Chinese noodle dishes, including some Malaysian favourites such as char kuey teow. Best part? They open until 3:30am in the morning.
Old Town 97
Address: 19 Wardour St, London W1D 6PL, United Kingdom
For a chippy, go to Sutton and Sons
Sutton and Sons, a family run fish and chip shop who also are fishmongers could be the best place to get this British classic. With fresh fish daily, they offer great responsibly sourced favourites such as cod and haddock, but they stock some delicious specialities such as monkfish, Cromer crab and Maldon oysters.
Their chips are peeled and cut by hand, and their seafood dipped in their special-recipe batter, fried perfectly and perfect to be paired with their famous pickled quail eggs, red onion rings, and balsamic baby shallots.
Sutton and Sons
Multiple locations
For some cocktails, go to Happiness Forgets
Above Happiness Forgets (Instagram: @happiness_hoxton)
Above Happiness Forgets (Instagram: @happiness_hoxton)
Happiness Forgets (Instagram: @happiness_hoxton)
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A short walk away from Mr Lyan Studio, the creative consultancy arm of the business, is Happiness Forgets. Fuss free but with incredible cocktails, helmed by a great team behind the bar, it is the perfect spot to hide away from the cold in London in their cosy basement.
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Keandra's expertise lies within writing deep dives into the culture and anthropology of food, sometimes with a philosophical twist. With a background in London's F&B consultancy scene, she's excited to be back in Kuala Lumpur to champion the local dining scene.
Reach her at keandra.hing@tatlerasia.com, @keandruh
