Chef profile: James Freeman, head chef at Acre

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m 27, and I started working for Thomas Straker’s restaurant Straker’s in Notting Hill about three and a half years ago, following a year at the Ledbury. I am the head chef at Acre in Notting Hill, where we cook modern British food with a nod to Italian cuisine. Everything is ingredient-led – proudly British ingredients from really great suppliers. 

 

What’s your favourite thing about where you work?

Working with the best produce we can possibly get. I love the versatility of our menu and being able to find my style. Every day is different – it’s great fun.

 

What was your first job in catering?

I was a commis chef at my local village pub. It was a five-minute walk up the road from where I grew up. I fell in love and never looked back. 

 

What do you do to relax?

I exercise and have a sauna and an ice bath. I have a Dachshund, so I like to go on dog walks around Hampstead or Richmond.

 

Which is your favourite restaurant?

Trinity by Adam Byatt in Clapham. It’s the first ever Michelin-starred restaurant I went to and it will always be my favourite. 

 

What is your favourite drink?

A tequila-lime-soda or a Paloma. Or, if it’s just a casual catch-up, a beer. 

 

What is your favourite food/cuisine?

Pizza. I’m a big fan of Crisp Pizza, but Alley Cats is also seriously good.

 

Which ingredient do you hate the most?

Truffle. Might be controversial, but I just really don’t like it. I understand it has its place in food, but it’s just not for me. 

 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

This is really hard, so you may as well be good at it.  

 

Which person gave you the greatest inspiration?

Dan Fancett, the owner of Fancett’s in Cambridge. 

 

If you had not gone into catering, where do you think you would be now?

Still at Waitrose or maybe a ski instructor – that would be cool. 

 

Describe your ultimate nightmare

Waking up late for work – the thought of it fills me with fear.

 

Who would play “you” in a film about your life?

Comedian Pete Davidson – he’s a skinhead, plus he’s hilarious. 

 

What is your favourite prepared product?

Lady fingers – tiramisu is my absolute favourite dessert.