FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Executive Chef Greg Lewis, The Distillery

by Kimberly Inlander

May 1, 2017
Food

IT WAS A LOVE OF SPORT, not food, which brought Chef Greg Lewis, originally from Christchurch, New Zealand, to England. In 2005, after visiting Leeds to play in the Rugby League, he permanently relocated and began his U.K. culinary career at the city’s first Michelin-starred restaurant, Pool Court, under the direction of renowned restaurateur Michael Gill.

Lewis’ reputation began to grow as he became a trailblazer in the culinary revolution of Leeds with Pintura Kitchen and Bar in March 2015. His unique take on Spanish pinxtos from the Basque region using locally sourced Yorkshire and Basque ingredients won over critics and locals and set a new standard for dining in the city. In 2016 the restaurant won runner-up Restaurant of the Year from Observer Food Monthly.

Today Lewis serves as executive chef for The Distillery, a unique, multimillion-dollar development on London’s Portobello Road. The multilevel experience, also home to the Portobello Road Gin distillery, includes a private dining room, boutique lodging, GinTonica, The Resting Room bar and The Ginstitute Experience, offering an immersive gin history session.

GinTonica proves the perfect pairing for Lewis, as it celebrates Spain’s love affair with the spirit. Amid Spanish décor Lewis presents a menu of small, tapas-style plates blending classic Spanish dishes, imported Spanish produce and seasonal British ingredients.

WHICH DESTINATIONS INSPIRED YOU, AND HOW HAS THAT INSPIRATION TRANSLATED INTO YOUR COOKING/MENUS?
San Sebastián and Bilbao, obviously; London is a fantastic food city as well. I spent my honeymoon last year along the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and I love the region’s simple outlook and respect for food, much like the Basques.

WHOM DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE YOUR CULINARY HERO?
I love Rick Stein; he has a huge respect for ingredients rather than technique, which is similar to my approach.

WHAT ONE PERSON MOST INFLUENCED YOUR COOKING STYLE, AND HOW?
I was lucky enough to cook at a 1-star restaurant, Pool Court, under a chap called Jeff Baker. He was a hard taskmaster, to say the very least, but his level of organization still influences my setup every day.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FOOD CITY?
Tough, but probably London — you can find anything you fancy here.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NEXT BIG TREND ON THE FOOD SCENE WILL BE?
I think we will see a return of fine dining again. There has been a long period of mediocrity and people attempting to recreate the “simple done well” philosophy and often failing. I think people want to be treated to a great experience again.

GinTonica at The Distillery

186 Portobello Road
London, England W11 1LA
tel 44 20 3034 2233
the-distillery.london/gintonica

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Nov 21, 2024

Hotel Saint Augustine to Open in Houston’s Museum District Neighborhood

Hotel Saint Augustine, expected to open in Houston this December, is a design-savvy boutique hotel from Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse.

Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands

Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.

November 2024
Nov 21, 2024

Immerse in an Invigorating Thermal Journey at Scandinave Spa Whistler

The glittering green pines and burst of jasmine lake beyond almost made me forget about the aches in my legs that slowly developed after the promised hour-long hike ran into the third hour. And, oh, there were my hips, showing up to remind me I was no longer in my 20s. I didn’t mind, though, because the vision that surrounded me during our guided walk through Garibaldi Park to Cheakamus Lake in Whistler, British Columbia, with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures proved worthy of a thousand postcards.

Daily
Nov 21, 2024

5 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals

Plan to shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Add these deals from hotels around the country to your shopping list.

Remarkable Medellín

Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.

Daily
Nov 21, 2024

Belmond Unveils First Luxury Sleeper Train in England and Wales

The first luxury sleeper train officially debuts in England and Wales next July thanks to the new Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train. This pioneering train seamlessly blends timeless rail heritage with contemporary British cuisine, culture and style. Guests will enjoy fine-dining experiences designed by Chef Simon Rogan and an on-board wellness suite offering therapies to relax and revive.

eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024

Xanterra Launches Thankful for Travel Sale

Xanterra Travel Collection’s Thankful for Travel Sale is finally here! This travel company’s sale, through Dec. 2, offers the biggest savings on national park stays, yacht-style cruises, historic train rides, legendary resorts, and walking and biking tours.

Explore Egypt on the Most Extraordinary Tour Ever

Picture this: You’re standing in front of the Great Pyramid, the last of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, in complete silence, with no crowds in sight. As you step inside, your guide leads you to hidden chambers inaccessible to other tourists. Here, you’re granted a rare chance to delve into the deepest mysteries of ancient Egypt.

eFlyer News
Nov 20, 2024

Orient Express Reveals World’s Largest Sailing Yacht

Orient Express just unveiled the design of its first yacht and the world’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian. Set to hit the waves in summer 2026, this yacht will sail across the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean.