LDNER #116 JAMES PACKMAN

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Food is ALL OVER our streets right now but how do you know which ones are any good? Well we can vouch that Le Swine is brilliant. We caught some words below, from the man in the Le Swine van, James Packman.

Where do you live in London and why?

I live in Kew, Richmond. Living 20 minutes drive from town is perfect, as you can dip in and out of the madness of the City and always have a beautiful leafy suburb to retreat to! Its also home to some of the nations favourites, Mick Jagger, Trevor Mcdonald and…John Leslie to name drop but a few!

How did Le Swine come about?

Le Swine came about during my 5 years working along side Bruno Loubet. I got myself in to work early one morning, to pilfer Bruno’s latest creation and couldn’t believe how good a bacon butty could taste!. I knew after that first bite, London had to taste the ultimate bacon butty! So with Brunos backing and my old man at the ready to convert a sixties ambulance, we launched Le Swine!

What advice would you give for other people wanting to set up a street food stall?

Believe in and absolutely love what you do!! A lot of advice is business and money minded, but for me, with food, its about the passion for what you’re doing. I believe success will bring money, so put your heart in to it, just as much as your head! (if not more) Be ready to graft, nothing comes easy, but if you really believe in what you do, it’ll work!

What is the secret to the best bacon butty?

The secret to the best bacon butty? Well it would no longer be a secret then.

What would your perfect day in London be?

A sunny Saturday if possible. Coffee, bacon and papers to start. A stroll down regents canal to work up an appetite for lunch. Swing by Broadway for a seriously naughty bloody Mary from a hole in the wall half way down the market , then a visit to the dumpling king in the school yard. Next find a quiet green spot for some beers and a siesta with the missus. The evening starts at the Grainstore for a taster menu and cocktails a-plenty whilst watching all the action on the pass! On the way home, we’ll toss a coin to decide whether or not to meet the crew for drinks, but we’ll meet them either way and party until the wee hours.

Fancy getting your chops around his bacon? Then you’ll usually find him on Saturdays in the School Yard at Broadway Market and Broadgate Circle on Fridays. Hit up locations here.