Mexican food in London isn’t having a fleeting moment, it’s coming of age. From street food stalls and cult taco joints to mezcal tasting rooms and Day of the Dead feasts, the capital is finally engaging with Mexican cuisine on its own terms. This is a story of confidence, culture and community, where authenticity gives way to creativity, ritual and regional depth – and London learns how to listen.

For Ryan Cole, success isn’t trophies or rankings, it’s a full restaurant, a growing team and ingredients treated with respect. From catching his own fish to reshaping the meaning of a historic Cape Town landmark, the Executive Chef of Salsify is redefining what modern fine dining can stand for. In this conversation with The Knife, Cole reflects on seasonality, simplicity, inclusivity and why true confidence in cooking is knowing what to leave off the plate.