Wall Street financier, author and restauranteur Luca Longobardi, the man behind 108 Garage and Southam Street, gives U an insight into his 'perfect day'...

How do you start your day?

I am an early bird and wake up at 5.30am, the first thing I do in the morning is put music on, and hang out in bed reading news for an hour. I then go to the gym, and then go to 108 Garage, where Chris, the Chef, is waiting for me for a rich Bacon Sandwich breakfast, we have a chat, and then he's cracking on in the kitchen and I am on the road for our new projects and meetings.

Leisurely lunch go to?

I rarely have lunch, but if I go for a leisurely one and I am around Soho- Kiln, quick, easy and fun.

Favourite way to pass the time in London?

Vintage picking in East London

Favourite London landmarks, and why?

Royal Albert Hall, I am an avid dreamer, I can dream also for others, my daughters Julia's a singer, so every time I pass by there, I can see her singing at the RAH one of these days.

Tipple of choice and favourite cocktail hangout?

Favourite cocktail Brandy Crusta, made by my favourites and one of the top bartender in town, Manu, at Chiltern Firehouse.

Favourite dining destinations, and why?

Palomar, two of my favourites destination are Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, and I love the food there, the place is cool, great staff and the food pulls on the traditions of the Mediterranean fringes without being overwhelmed by them.

Final stop for a nightcap, and why?

Electric House in Notting Hill or Chiltern Firehouse, I know everybody in both places, so it’s like going to a friends house.

Rest hangover remedy?

A morning sauna, and lots of water, but I rarely kill myself drinking

Where next on your travels?

Just returned from one of the most amazing food trips in Japan, next trip to Mexico at the end of October, to begin production of our own Mezcal brand, to be launched in 2018 in our new place in Notting Hill, Southam Street.

Luca Longobardi, the man they called “The Mafia’s Banker”, opened 108 Garage on Notting Hill’s Golborne Road in autumn 2016. Within a few short months it had not only attracted legions of followers and the admiration of London’s critics and set to open his second site Southam Street in Notting Hill. 

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