Social media sensation Will Hughes, better known to his 743,000 Instagram followers as What Willy Cook, has opened up his kitchen cupboards to Metro's food series, revealing his most bizarre snack combinations, favourite London haunts, and a serious monthly splurge on quality meat.
From Lockdown Hobby to Foodie Fame
The content creator, who started posting "silly" cooking videos during lockdown, saw his account gain what he describes as "insane traction." Now, he not only shares recipes but also reviews restaurants and global cuisine. In a candid interview, he shared the peculiar details of his culinary habits, from guilty pleasures to supermarket gripes.
Guilty Pleasures and Fridge Staples
Hughes's ultimate guilty pleasure stems from a moment of teenage improvisation. "We ended up making peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwiches, which we then dipped in a Chicken Pot Noodle," he confessed. He insists there are rules: it must be made with crunchy peanut butter and "s**t white bread."
His fridge is never without two key items: Hellmann's Mayo, which he prefers over Heinz and even pairs with takeaway curry, and Pilgrim's Choice cheddar for kimchi toasties. His store cupboard essential is Ajinomoto Japanese Chicken Powder, a versatile seasoning he likens to bouillon.
The Splurge, The Savings, and The Tips
When it comes to spending, Hughes doesn't hold back on meat. He reveals a monthly expenditure of £250-£300 on orders from Yorkshire butchery Swaledale, stocking his freezer with steak and brisket. He argues the taste difference between supermarket and butcher's meat is significant.
His game-changing cooking tip involves a closer look at coconut milk cans. "Some of them only have like 32% coconut in them," he warns, advising shoppers to check the extract percentage. He recently found a can with 82% coconut in a local Asian supermarket.
Foods he avoids include tinned baked beans due to their "slurry texture," preferring to make his own. He also harbours nostalgia for lost treats, feeling deprived of never trying Turkey Twizzlers at school and pining for the return of Mars Delights.
London Favourites and Takeaway Go-Tos
After a long day developing recipes, Hughes opts for convenience. His current takeaway of choice is Wingstop, praising its Ranch dressing. For a more refined meal, he consistently returns to a few London favourites: Cafe Cecelia, Quality Chophouse, and Bouchon Racine, which he commends for their impressive consistency.
The interview, published on December 21, 2025, offers a full glimpse into the life and larder of one of Instagram's most popular food creators.
