When I visited London with my mom and her colleagues, one of the highlights was a dinner at Jamie Oliver’s famous restaurant, Fifteen. Nestled in the heart of Shoreditch, Fifteen was more than a restaurant — it was a place where food met purpose, and every dish told a story. We were so excited to be visiting our first Jamie Oliver restaurant!
At the heart of Fifteen was its Apprentice Program, a groundbreaking initiative that trained young, unemployed individuals to become chefs. Watching the apprentices in the open kitchen, bustling with energy and focus, was mesmerizing. Each dish was carefully crafted, and it felt like we were getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse into a kitchen that thrived on creativity, mentorship, and passion.
Fifteen’s menu celebrated seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, and the dishes we tried were nothing short of memorable. From Carpaccio of Buccleuch Beef (thinly sliced aged beef served with minted marinated asparagus, wild rocket, and pecorino — delicate and fresh) to Scallop Crudo (tender scallops paired with pomegranate, coriander, deep-fried ginger, and yuzu) to a simple Broad Bean and Pea Soup. Our menu for the evening consisted of cured salmon creme fraiche and pickled cucumber or heritage squash, basil and ricotta for starters; roast lamb, heritage carrots with a mint dressing or pot roast hake, bay gems with new season and wild fennel for mains followed by chocolate and malt mousse or lemon meringue for dessert.
Every bite felt like a story — a mix of passion, training, and Jamie Oliver’s ethos of approachable fine dining.
The restaurant was housed in a beautifully restored Victorian warehouse, with high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and a warm, rustic charm that immediately made you feel at home. Because my mom and her colleagues were visiting on a work trip, we had the special treat of a private welcome upstairs in a completely separate kitchen. It was an intimate setting, where we could all enjoy a glass of wine and a special welcome while still hearing the pulse of the main kitchen below.
Unfortunately Fifteen London closed its doors in 2019 as part of a restructuring of Jamie Oliver’s restaurant group. While it’s no longer operational, the legacy of the apprenticeship program lives on through the chefs who began their careers there, a testament to the restaurant’s lasting impact.
Even though I only visited for one dinner, the experience has stayed with me. The combination of delicious, thoughtful food, the inspiring story behind the restaurant, and the joy of sharing the night with my mom and her colleagues made it one of those London moments I’ll always remember.
LIFE OF SHAL 