David Datt is a chef living in East Dulwich. He runs his Fiji Fusion Supper Club events locally serving delicious dishes combining elements of his Fijian & Saint Lucian roots and his classical cooking training.
How long have you lived in the area?
I’ve lived in the area for 3 ½ years now.
What brought you here?
I am originally from Hoxton and was living in Brick Lane for a while but my girlfriend already lived here so she bought me here J
What has changed most during that time?
I’m really happy to say that although the pandemic has changed a lot of places we’re so lucky to be living in such a vibrant area and I think this area will recover quickly. Proof of the sense of community and local support for businesses is the Northcross road market, which still seemed to do well throughout this difficult time.
What’s the one thing you couldn’t do without?
The ice cream parlour Oddono’s!! I love a little walk down there in the evenings and they do some great sorbets too.
Do you know your neighbours?
Yes I do know some of them, it’s lovely! We do the pub quiz in the Bishop together sometimes.
The most famous person you’ve seen or met?
I’ve seen a few famous people in the area. Had a chat with the TV Political Correspondant John Pienarr recently on Lordship Lane. I met Robert Glenister from Hustle in the area and also ran into Fred from First dates up at Sainsbury’s!!
Coffee or tea? Where?
Coffee and would have to be at the Blue Mountain. When I first came to the area I got to know Mel the owner and he was very welcoming and also serves very good coffee!
The best meal I’ve ever had..
I’ve so many lovely meals and have worked with some amazing chefs and so tried some fabulous food over the years. But for me the best food I’ve ever eaten has to be when I was growing up as a child, eating the food that my Mum and Dad used to cook. My mum used make a mean Caribbean soup with spinners and lamb, the type of soup that she made me if I was ever feeling ill! My dad was the Roti king!
What’s your favourite place to go for a drink?
This depends on the occasion!
The Great Exhibition or the Actress for watching the sport. For a nice cocktail Fifty Seven on Northcross Road or House of Tippler (which for us has a nickname of “The Black Hole’ as if you go in there and see people you know it’s very hard to get out!!) For a Sunday pub quiz and a large glass of wine or a beer The Bishop.
The best kept secret…
I’ve been suffering with a bad neck for a few years and an amazing Soft Tissue Therapist Anna at Dulwich Therapy Rooms has really sorted it out!
Where’s your favourite place to walk?
Around Dulwich or Peckham park.
When I want to relax…
I love to go to Therapy on Melbourne Grove for a Deep Tissue Massage and then come home for a snooze!
My secret ambition..
To cook on TV in some capacity. Also to be an author and I have been writing my book for the past few years. I will publish it in the near future!