Secret gems and neighbourhood hideaways where chefs love to eat: from a cafe lunch in Cornwall to a tasting menu on the Scottish coast SILK ROAD, LONDON SE5_ Chosen by James Cochran, chef-owner, Restaurant 1251_ I’ve lived in south London for 15 years and the neighbourhood restaurant that stands out is Silk Road in Camberwell. I’m a massive fan of their Xinjiang style of Chinese cooking and they do many unusual things that you don’t normally see in Chinese restaurants in this country. I associate kebabs with Turkish or Greek food, but here they do lamb skewers which they cover in delicious Asian spices and chargrill really quickly. Their dumplings are on point as well. In fact, everything is packed full of flavour, but nicely balanced. The restaurant is very minimalistic, drinks are BYO and the food is very affordable – spend £20 and you’re full. Continue reading...