If you haven’t been indoctrinated into the wholesome goodness of Leon, then now is the time. A restaurant with it’s roots firmly set in London, there are eight branches around the capital, each with a unique style and a great atmosphere. My particular favourite is the one in Liverpool Street, with a partial open plan layout, sink in sofas and odd furniture. Leon is great for a Sunday afternoon; ice lemon tea, chicken aioli wrap and paper in hand.

I caught up with co-founder Henry to ask him a few questions.

Hello Henry, you’re co founder of Leon. How did you come up with the name?
It is my business partner John’s Dad’s name. We were looking for a simple name that looked good and that people could build a relationship with. We wrote down loads of names of people we know and Leon just seemed to fit the bill.

All the staff at Leon seem very happy whenever I go in - is this because you feed them on fresh, locally sourced and wholesome produce?
That is very kind of you to say so. We try to hire people who are naturally out going and sunny and then feed them well and treat them well. If you work with a great group of people it makes work a lot more fun.

What’s your favourite Leon dish?
Hmmmm . . .hmmm . . .Moroccan Meatballs on a rainy day and mackerel superfood salad (which has this lovely tangy beetroot puree with it) on a sunny day.

Who designs your stores……and are there any plans to carry on out of London?
John and I design them, with help from a lovely French woman called Bambi Sloane (in my view one of the great names) and our architects Rick and Sophie.

Do you love being a London brand?
I have lived in London all my life and love the place. I still get butterflies in my stomach when I have been away and am coming back. So I can’t really imagine running a business anywhere else.

What would happen if someone from Leon really fancied a big bucket of greasy chicken from KFC one day?
I imagine they would go and buy one.

Leon sounds like a big happy family. Do you go on holidays together and get inspiration for your food this way?
I think that when you need inspiration for food, travel is the best way to get it. I am always travelling and eating with a notebook. John and I are planning to spend some time together in Barcelona this summer. The Boqueria market off Las Ramblas is one of the most inspiring food destinations in the world.

Visit Leon at various branches around London:
www.leonrestaurants.co.uk

Check out the great Leon cookbook, full of interesting and original recipes: