Alexandre Laforce Reynolds 'beyond excited' to be appointed head chef at Bistro Freddie in Shoreditch

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."