Q&A with Thomas Straker
We asked the chef and content creator 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 chef and content creator Thomas Straker...
The best restaurant in the world is…
Asador Etxebarri. It is full of craftsmen from start to finish; everything is cooked over a wood fire using only the best-quality ingredients. They use different woods to cook different ingredients – for example, lemon wood to cook fish. Bittor Arginzoniz designed his own grilling baskets and has a full-rounded approach to cooking and eating. He’s super passionate about his area, Biscay, which is north of the Basque Country on the Spanish side.
Your favourite hotel is…
The Berkeley, in Knightsbridge. It has a great renovated spa and pool, Cédric Grolet’s showstopper pastries and is well located next to Hyde Park. A very well-rounded, fantastic hotel.
The city destination you never tire of is...
Venice. Lovely open-air food markets in the morning by the Rialto Bridge. Having to get a boat across the city. Walking down the canals and visiting the incredible art. It will always be a favourite of mine.
The drink order that never disappoints is…
Negronis. I love the first negroni before dinner. It’s bitter, strong and straight to the point. I stir it with my finger, so I make sure it's super cold before I drink it.
Your perfect holiday is...
Preferably somewhere in Italy. Sicily comes to mind. Right by the sea with a great food culture and not too busy, so I can properly decompress with a nice, cold, crisp glass of white wine.
The menswear brand you rate is...
Fera is super well made – it suits my lifestyle as it’s hard wearing and good quality. It’s clothing that can blend between country and city living.
The best gift you have ever received is…
The Eight Sleep Pod mattress topper, which helps with temperature regulation and has really helped my sleep quality.
The last thing you bought and loved is...
I bought the Nico IV sunglasses, in oyster, from a friend of mine called Nico, who designs his own eyewear – super talented.
The book everyone should read before they die is...
Breath by James Nester, which tells you how to breathe correctly to improve exercise and sleep, something I’ve been focusing on as I find more balance between business, family and marathons!
The best piece of advice you have received is...
Always stay in your lane, do what you are good at, everything else around you is noise. You are the master of your own destiny.
Image: Tom Cockram
The person in your career you admire most is...
My business partner, Toby Hopkinson. He is a professional and smashes everything he puts his mind to. He has taken All Things Butter from nothing to where it is today and I take a lot of inspiration from him. His role as my part-time therapist means I know I can always go to him for sound advice.
The quote you live by is...
Buy well, buy once.
The advice you would give to someone starting out in your profession is…
Don’t be afraid to make the wrong career decision, you can easily fix it and move elsewhere.
Your biggest luxury is...
Spending time with my kids.
What do you do to relax and unwind...I love jiu-jitsu and going to the gym to work out, finishing off with an ice bath!
Want more Q&As? We chat to David Gandy...
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