Dining at Orion: A hidden gem in Wimbledon
Living in a city like London is often described as overwhelming at first. The rhythm is fast, the options endless, and every street seems to hide a story waiting to be discovered. For someone experiencing the city for the first time, those small personal moments often become the ones that define the experience. For me, one of those moments happened not while visiting a famous landmark, but while sitting in a restaurant created by a chef who came up through a show I've been a fan of for years, MasterChef: The Professionals.
Watching talented chefs compete on television always sparks curiosity about what their food must taste like in real life. So, visiting Orion by Alex Webb felt like more than just a dinner reservation. It felt like stepping into a story that had started on the screen and was now unfolding at the table. What made the evening truly memorable was something that cannot be scripted. During the meal, the chef himself, Alex Webb, came over to greet us at the table. It was not a quick appearance or a gesture reserved for a single table. I noticed him walking around the restaurant, stopping to speak with every guest. That simple act of connection says a lot about a restaurant and the person behind it. For me, it is something that every great chef should do.
Alex Webb is an award-winning chef whose career reflects both discipline and creativity. He began his culinary training at The Savoy Hotel while studying at Westminster Kingsway College, where his early talent earned him the title of "Chef Apprentice of the Year". From there, his path led him through some of the most respected Michelin-starred kitchens in Europe. His experience includes working with chefs such as Hélène Darroze at The Connaught Restaurant and contributing to the celebrated kitchen of Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. He also trained under Christopher Rüffer at Restaurant Haerlin and worked with Adam Handling at The Frog by Adam Handling. These experiences shaped the refined but expressive cooking style that eventually led him to win MasterChef: The Professionals in 2020.
Building on that success, Alex opened Orion in Wimbledon Village in December 2025, creating a restaurant that blends French inspiration with a strong focus on British seafood and seasonal ingredients. The name Orion carries personal meaning, inspired by the constellation whose three stars represent his late father and two grandfathers. In many ways, the restaurant is not only a culinary project but also a tribute to family, memory and community.
The experience truly comes alive when the food arrives. For starters, I ordered Dad’s Bread, a milk loaf created in honour of Alex’s late father. It is a dish filled with heart as well as flavour. One pound from every dish is donated to the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation. Alongside it, I had the whole baked scallop served in the shell with burnt chilli and miso butter and pickled onion. The balance of richness and brightness made it an unforgettable start to the meal.
For the main course, the pan-seared halibut fillet is a must. The presentation was incredible, but the taste was even better. It arrived with pickled burnt cucumber, cucumber gel, parsley powder, trout roe, champagne beurre blanc and a delicate crispy potato nest that added both texture and elegance to the dish.
Another highlight worth mentioning is the 7oz dry-aged fillet steak. When ordering it, guests are invited to choose their own steak knife from the restaurant’s knife selection. It is a small detail, but a very unique touch that adds personality and theatre to the dining experience.
To finish the meal, Alex’s twist on a classic, "Alex's Twix", was the perfect ending. It was playful, nostalgic and beautifully executed. The kind of dessert that makes you want to come back for more.
Experiences like this are what make living in London so special, especially when you are discovering the city for the first time. A memorable meal, a talented chef who takes the time to greet his guests, and dishes that tell personal stories can transform a simple dinner into something far more meaningful. If you are looking to try something truly exquisite, Orion is a lovely recommendation, a place where outstanding food speaks for itself.
