I saw royalty, lords and degenerates all come and go from my drugs den: Son of late restaurant critic AA Gill and ex Tory MP Amber Rudd, Alasdair Gill lost a decade to addiction. Now, six years sober, he tells his extraordinary story

Alasdair Gill, the son of late restaurant critic AA Gill and former Conservative Party minister Amber Rudd, has opened up about his decade-long struggle with addiction. Now six years sober, Gill recounts his time living in a drug-infested environment known as Misty River Hotel, located near Kensington Palace in London's affluent Kensington district. The once-grand Georgian building, sandwiched between embassies, appeared respectable from afar but revealed a chaotic interior upon closer inspection. Its peeling paint and flaking facade masked the sordid reality within. Gill described the place as a “crack house” where he spent years immersed in a world of drugs and alcohol, despite maintaining employment in high-profile London restaurants, including one with a Michelin star. Gill, 33, detailed how the Misty River Hotel became a haven for various individuals, ranging from royalty to degenerates and figures from the 1980s punk scene. In the basement, a dealer named Matt supplied a range of substances, while his mother, Elfie, dealt in harder narcotics. Gill admitted to having issues with nearly everyone present at some point during his time there. His descent into addiction began as a form of escapism, initially appearing as an exciting adventure akin to a “Disneyland.” However, this quickly turned into a cycle of self-destruction, marked by days blending into nights spent on strangers' floors or on the streets, often covered in bodily fluids. Despite his struggles, Gill continued to work in prestigious kitchens, showcasing his culinary talent amidst personal turmoil. His career spanned notable establishments such as Spuntino in Soho and The Delaunay in Covent Garden, where he maintained a professional demeanor despite his internal battles. Gill's father, AA Gill, was a renowned restaurant critic known for his sharp wit and contributions to literature. He passed away in 2016 due to cancer, having previously overcome his own addictions through Alcoholics Anonymous. Alasdair inherited not only his father's penchant for substance use but also his literary flair and deep connection to food. Currently, Gill is in a stable relationship with Danish actress and model Maja Simonsen, and they have a six-month-old son named Arlo. He has recently published a memoir titled Knives And Spoons: A Chef’s Story Of Kitchens, Addictions And Mayhem, detailing his experiences with drugs and recovery. Gill reflects on his early years, noting that he didn't recall his first drink or drug but remembers feeling confused about why others chose to study rather than indulge in intoxication. His mother, Amber Rudd, served as a prominent political figure, holding key roles in the UK government during the period when Gill's addiction was most severe. Gill's journey highlights the complex interplay between personal demons and professional success, offering insight into the challenges faced by those battling addiction while navigating demanding careers. His story continues to unfold as he embraces sobriety and shares his experiences with the hope of inspiring others.