South African-born chef Patrick Williams and his wife, Amy Corbin, have spent eight years winning Londoners over with their bold, seasonal cooking inspired by South African flavours. Their Peckham and Nunhead restaurants – Kudu, Kudu Grill and Curious Kudu – earned cult status, and now they’re preparing for a new chapter: a single flagship joint opening in Marylebone this September. We asked Williams, one of South Africa’s brightest culinary exports, about books, bikes and the songs on repeat in his kitchen.
The best book you’ve read in the past year?
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara. It’s such a valuable insight into the industry and really hones in on what true hospitality looks like.
How do you keep fit?
I go for a quick 5km run every other day.
Weeknight, low-key restaurant go-to?
Mr Bao in Peckham – it’s the perfect family-friendly spot to spend some quality time all together midweek.
What is the one artwork you’ll always love?
Two pieces by Michael Craig-Martin. But the original picture he has deconstructed is by Georges Seurat – from the 19th century.
Do you have a hobby? What is it?
Downhill mountain biking any chance I can get.
What’s your most treasured possession?
My Leatherman multi-tool that my father gave me.
Your high school crush?
Jessica Biel – haha.
Three songs you’d take to a desert island?
Have You Ever Seen the Rain? – Creedence Clearwater Revival; Wonderwall – Oasis; and Rocket Man – Elton John.
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