In Conversation With: Chef Rob Roy Cameron
Chef Rob Roy Cameron brings open-fire Basque cooking and bold design to Soho
London’s Soho has a new culinary star: ALTA, a restaurant where open-fire cooking meets Basque-inspired flavour and bold design. Led by acclaimed chef Rob Roy Cameron, formerly of El Bulli and The Fat Duck fame, ALTA celebrates the traditions of Northern Spain, from the smoky depth of its grill to the convivial spirit of its pintxo-style sharing plates.
Chef Rob Roy Cameron
Inspired by the Alta Navarra region, the menu pairs sustainable British produce with Spanish soul, offering dishes like razor clams in saffron escabeche, turbot head from the grill, and the indulgent La Viña cheesecake. Set within an elegant, art-filled space overlooking Kingly Court, ALTA is quickly becoming London’s must-visit destination for lovers of Spanish cuisine, design and fire-driven gastronomy.
ALTA, Soho, London.
Please introduce yourself
I am Rob Roy Cameron, a chef based in London who spent a substantial part of his career working in Spain at restaurants like el Bulli and 41 Degrees. My approach is to work with the highest quality products, to bring the best out of those products in unexpected ways, both in flavour and visually.
What new projects or business news do you have for 2025 and beyond?
ALTA is my only focus this year. Growing the team and developing the menu to the best it can be.
What has a continual inspiration throughout your career?
Stepping back, taking time to process and digest, regular movement and travel. Perspective is important to stay grounded and creative.
Can you tell us about a life-changing (or just an enjoyable) travel experience?
I fixed up and rode my motorcycle from Spain back to South Africa over 4 months and got to experience a side to the continent not many people get to experience. It was also quite a difficult journey as the Arab Spring had just broken out, I had to learn about stress and how to deal with difficult situations, totally alone, and using maps. It was the trip of a lifetime and really put a lot of things into perspective for me.
What travel recommendations can you share with our readers for 2025?
Spain for the food of course, or the Pyrenees for the views, clean air and quiet.
Photography, Frederic-Perez.
Where is your favourite restaurant?
UltraMarinos, Barcelona or Rafa’s in Roses.
What's your go-to comfort food for snacking on at work?
We don’t do that, we have a proper family meal at the restaurant, that could be anything from Jerk chicken to poke bowls we try to keep it varied and simple.
Where is your favourite cocktail bar?
Three Sheets. I’ve known the guys for a while and know just by how much creativity, time, and dedication they put into every drink on the menu.
Three Sheets, London.
What would you love to see more of in the culinary world?
Curiosity, try new things.
What would you like to see less of in the culinary world?
Generic same menus.
Read The Fluxx restaurant overivew here
ALTA, Kingly Court, Carnaby St, London, W1B 5PW