Kitchen W8
Kensington, London
When restaurateur Rebecca Mascarenhas teamed up with chef Phil Howard to launch this polished Kensington bolthole in the late noughties, it was the start of a long-running partnership that now includes Elystan Street in Chelsea and Church Road in Barnes. As the elder sibling, Kitchen W8 shows the way, combining the understated sophistication and serenity of a big-city destination with the neighbourly vibe of an upmarket local eatery. Visitors can take comfort from the soothing decor (heavy tablecloths, chic wallpaper, round mirrors, eye-catching contemporary artwork), as well as the relaxed, personable service and the cleverly calibrated, modern cooking. Expect a raft of expertly balanced dishes executed with a light touch and an eye for the finer things, from hand-cut tartare of veal with hazelnut cream, crispy shallots, cep and thyme crumb to poached fillets of lemon sole accompanied by monk’s beard, blood orange and dauphinoise infused with smoked eel. As the months roll by, you might also be treated to a warm salad of winter roots, creamed potato lavished with Périgord truffle, or a dessert of new season’s Yorkshire rhubarb with set vanilla custard, blood orange and pistachio. Excellent-value set menus make the most of humbler ingredients such as scorched cod cheeks, and Sunday lunch is a hit with the local crowd. Old World wines feature heavily on the attractive list, with plentiful options available by the glass or carafe.
Dining Information:
Private dining room, No background music, Wheelchair access, Family friendly, Credit card required
11-13 Abingdon Road, Kensington W8 6AH
020 7937 0120
