Eneko Atxa interview: “We are taking Basque philosophy to London”

Eneko Atxa looks shy and humble as he introduces himself and his right-hand woman Edurne Martin Delgado. He hasn’t turned 40 yet but, not too far from London, he runs three-michelin-starred Azurmendi, voted 16^th best restaurant in the world last June in New York. He’s all smiles but he rapidly turns focussed and demanding when he steps into his kitchen. Hailing from the Basque city of Bilbao, Atxa relies on chef Delgado – with whom he worked for 11 years –  when he is not in the UK

Eneko at One Aldwych officially opened in September and it’s already building a strong reputation in the West End food scene. Before trying the food ourselves, we have an extensive chat about the concept behind the restaurant, the difference between what he does at Azurmendi and what he’s doing here, and whether he already has a favourite place in London.

Filippo L’Astorina, the Editor
Video: Filippo L’Astorina and Laura Denti