"What I love most is that our aim is to give people pleasure, and that in itself feels like such a positive thing."
Meet Anna Tobias, chef and founder of Café Deco, a neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar in Bloomsbury.
Having worked at The River Café and Rochelle Canteen, Anna brings a thoughtful, generous approach to cooking. At Café Deco, her weekly-changing menu celebrates seasonal ingredients through simple, comforting European dishes with a modern touch.
How do you describe what you do and what do you love the most about it?
We're a restaurant and at the basic level, we cook (hopefully delicious) food for our guests and provide warm and welcoming service. What I love most is that our aim is to give people pleasure and that in itself feels like such a positive thing.
What morning ritual or habit have you developed that sets you up for a better day?
I have quite a rigid routine in the morning but it really sets me up. I always have a coffee and some breakfast - usually either porridge or muesli - and have a calm moment staring out the window.
What’s your daily uniform?
At the restaurant, checked chef trousers, a chef jacket and an apron. Birkenstock clogs on my feet.
Where are you local to, and what’s your best neighbourhood recommendation?
I live near Newington Green. We're spoilt with amazing food shops and suppliers in the area, but my big recommendation is a walk in Clissold Park. There’s something so lovely about parks as shared spaces.
Which modern convenience couldn't you live without, and why?
Probably loads. But let's say a kettle. Boiling a pan of water on the hob would feel comparatively tedious.
"I really love to walk, never with anything in my ears. I like to look around and allow thoughts to come and go."
What is your favourite piece of art, regardless of medium?
I love sculptural mobiles. If I were rich, I'd love to own a Miró mobile. They're delicate and playful, with such beautiful, mesmerising movement.
What are you currently coveting, reading, watching and listening to?
I'm coveting a pair of cosy winter pyjamas, reading The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, watching The Four Seasons and listening to Radio 6.
"I enjoy taking pleasure in the small things. They're free, and they make your day slightly better."
How do you protect your time and attention from the constant demands of modern life?
I really love to walk, never with anything in my ears. I like to be able to look around and allow thoughts to come and go.
How do you maintain human connection in an increasingly digital world?
That's one of the reasons why working in hospitality is so positive. We're largely away from screens and work in a team environment, constantly engaging with each other and with customers. It's really great!
What makes your life materially better?
On a food level, buying ingredients that have been farmed carefully and with consideration for the environment definitely makes my life materially better.
Otherwise, I enjoy taking pleasure in the small things. A pretty flower, the smell of jasmine as you walk past, a good moon, saying good morning to a stranger you pass on the street.
They're free, and they make your day slightly better.
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