Alexandre Laforce Reynolds new Bistro Freddie head chef

Alexandre Laforce Reynolds has been appointed head chef at Bistro Freddie in Shoreditch, following the departure of Anna Søgaard.

Alexandre, 31, spent his childhood in the Cévennes region in the south of France, before moving to the UK with his parents when he was 11.

He fondly remembers food being a prominent part of his upbringing, from wild boar legs gifted by local hunters in France and a stand-out Helene Daroze dinner as a child, which he cites as his earliest restaurant memory, to an English fry up round the family dining table.

Cheffing professionally from the age of 19, Alexandre’s food is very much rooted in classic French cooking, taking inspiration from his childhood growing up in France through more than a decade cooking at some of London's Michelin star fine dining restaurants - including Hide, Fenchurch and Mayfair's Seven Park Place.

He also spent time in the kitchen at east London bakery favourite Popham's, where he met his now partner Maria Vivani.

In summer 2022, along with Maria, Alexandre opened his first solo restaurant project Eline, in Shoreditch, named after his French grandmother. It gained early plaudits for the monthly-changing modern European menu from the Michelin Guide and The Good Food Guide, as well as a positive review at launch in the Evening Standard from Jimi Famurewa.

Alexandre’s launch menu brings a fresh take to Bistro Freddie's signatures, as well as a collection of new dishes in keeping with 'Freddie's 'classic bistro-style' and inspired by his enviable restaurant kitchen experience and French heritage.

Guests can expect dishes such as grilled Loch Duart salmon and shellfish hollandaise, beef tartare with beef-fat fried bread and a classic French île flottante (‘floating island’ dessert). He has also switched up Bistro Freddie’s now famous sharing pie - serving it with a rich pork cheek, leek and sweetcorn filling.

“I'm thrilled to be joining HAM Restaurants as the new head chef of Bistro Freddie,” Alexandre said.

“There is a soul to this place that I can't wait to add to and grow with. There will be solid technique and a confidence in the simplicity of the dishes that I will bring to this perfect bistro.

“I am beyond excited to take on the challenge of pushing forward with Dom (Hamdy, founder) and the wonderful team at Bistro Freddie."

Founded by hospitality entrepreneur Dom and named in homage to his dad, Bistro Freddie is part of the HAM Restaurants - comprising Bistro Freddie, Crispin, Bar Crispin and Crispin at Studio Voltaire.

Launched in October 2023 on Luke Street, Shoreditch, Bistro Freddie was one of London's biggest restaurant openings of last year,

Dom himself added: "Alex has a wealth of experience and a burning passion for food, as well as a French/British background that is a perfect match for Bistro Freddie.

“Rooted in classic French cookery, his dishes also have a flare and contemporary quality that we're all excited to experience. As we move into the next phase of our humble corner bistro, we welcome Alexandre with open arms."

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 16 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 560,000 followers across Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.