Q&A with François O’Neill
We asked the beloved restaurateur a few questions on life, style, and the places he likes to spend time in
Words: Gentleman's Journal
At Gentleman’s Journal, we like to think that we have a keen eye for identifying the figures at the forefront of their respective industries. To give you a bit of insight into their worlds, we’ve embarked on a series of insightful conversations with industry leaders, delving deep into their interests and perspectives. Here, we talk to the beloved restaurateur François O’Neill...
The best restaurant in the world is…
The most sophisticated – yet approachable and impressive – experience I have had in a restaurant was at Alain Passard’s L’Arpège, in Paris.
Your favourite hotel is…
The Connaught, London. Traditional, exceptional level of service, wonderfully British.
The city destination you never tire of is…
Paris. I love walking the streets and absorbing the vibe and heartbeat of the city; the many bistros and brasseries on beautiful corners, with tons of outdoor space for an obligatory pit stop and people watching; the small independent art galleries in Rue des Saints Pères and in the cobbled squares of St Germain; summer strolls in the Jardin de Luxembourg.
The drink order that never disappoints is…
Vodka martini. Straight up, very dry, and bitterly cold with a lemon twist.
Your perfect holiday is…
With my family… nature, walking, swimming, outdoor cooking, warm evenings, red wine, good sleep… and with our nanny!
The menswear brand you rate is…
Anglo-Italian. Everything they do not only looks amazing, but is also well made. Great tailoring with a modern approach while respecting the past. Their cotton shirts are well made with a great range of fabrics and is the shirt I wear every day for work. I have a bespoke camel overcoat from them that is one of my favourite items of clothing.
The best gift you have ever received is...
My grandfather left me his Omega Speedmaster. I cherish it.
The book everyone should read before they die is…
Down and Out in Paris and London by George Orwell
The best piece of advice you have received is…
My father telling me that I should work in his restaurant kitchen. This was the beginning of my professional journey. It settled me in life and gave me purpose. And, along the way, I had a lot of fun!
Image: Getty
The person in your career you admire most is…
Anthony Bourdain for writing the text... Chris Corbin and Jeremy King for showing me how it’s done.
The last thing you bought and loved is…
The three pairs of summer corduroy trousers from American Vintage, London. I love their clothes. Simple, bright colours and great style.
The quote you live by is…
“Pearls are made through grit”
The advice you would give to someone starting out in your profession is...
Go and absorb every part of the business. Welcome it with open arms. Appreciate the fact you will meet people from all walks of life with different cultural backgrounds.
Your biggest luxury is...
Good, quality soap. I love Aesop. They make great products, and their branding is brilliant. The stores are also fantastic.
What do you do to relax…
Walking in nature and being with my loved ones. I grew up in Ireland, on a farm, and I still love being there. I also love the wild Atlantic coastline of France where we spent many summer holidays with my mother’s family. The Côte Sauvage is beautiful. The picnics on the beach, with a fire dug into the sand in front of the pine forests, is my happy place.
Want more Q&As? We chat to Thomas Straker...
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