Our Story
A London favourite, since 1987.
One chef, one Market, and decades of regulars who keep coming back for the same table.
Chef & Owner
Mark Kitching
Classically trained, widely travelled, and happiest at the stove.
Mark learned his craft the traditional way — as a commis in English hotel kitchens, then as a saucier in London, Frankfurt and Lucerne. In Paris he cooked at the Hilton, observed in the kitchen of the legendary three-star Troisgros, and ran the fish and sauce station at Gérard Vié in Versailles.
He went on to become Executive Chef of the InterContinental in Abu Dhabi, then of the Siam InterContinental in Bangkok, overseeing five restaurants. In 1987 he came to London, Ontario, to open the kitchen at the Wharton Hotel — and he has been feeding this city ever since.
Waldo’s was first a fine-dining room on Piccadilly Street, which Mark took over and turned into one of London’s best-loved restaurants. Today it lives at 130 King Street in Covent Garden Market as a relaxed bistro and wine bar — same chef, same standards, an easier pace.
Mark also owns Mark’s Fine Meats in the Market, so he picks the beef, lamb and seafood for your plate himself.
The road to King Street
A career in great kitchens.
- 1973DeVere Hotel, CoventryCommis de cuisine — where it all began.
- 1975London InterContinentalCommis, chef de partie and chef saucier.
- 1977Frankfurt & LucerneChef saucier, Canadian Pacific Hotel · Palace Hotel, Luzern.
- 1978Restaurant Schmüser, MainzChef de cuisine.
- 1980Paris, Roanne & VersaillesParis Hilton · Les Frères Troisgros (three Michelin stars) · chef de partie at Gérard Vié (two stars).
- 1981InterContinental Abu DhabiSous chef to Executive Chef.
- 1986Siam InterContinental, BangkokExecutive Chef, five restaurants.
- 1987London, OntarioExecutive Chef for the opening of the Wharton Hotel.
- 1989Waldo’s, Piccadilly StreetOwner and chef of the 160-seat fine-dining Waldo’s.
- TodayWaldo’s on KingBistro & wine bar in Covent Garden Market — plus Mark’s Fine Meats and Waldo’s Catering.
Our promise
Excellent service. Attention to detail. Exquisite food at affordable prices.
That’s been our continuing commitment from the start — and our hope is that you’ll want to come back to visit again and again.
Warm regards, Mark Kitching
Gallery
Plates, pours and summer afternoons on the patio.
Your table is waiting
Come and see us in the Market.
We’re at 130 King Street, with direct access from the underground parking.