Nestled in the heart of one of London’s most desirable neighbourhoods, The Kensington is located on the corner of two of London’s iconic thoroughfares, Queen’s Gate and the Old Brompton Road, and comprises four traditional white Victorian townhouses.
The Kensington is set in one of London’s most affluent and exclusive neighbourhoods and amongst the leafy squares, museums and parks of the Royal borough. Designed by Alexander Waterworth Interiors, the hotel restaurant interiors reflect the buildings natural charm and old English town house aesthetic. Playful, patterned fabrics & rugs are used alongside classic rosewood & walnut, embodying the mix of traditional & modern elements.
Executive Chef Steve Gibbs, formerly of Hix and The Ivy, has created a menu to match all tastes where the emphasis is on fresh produce focusing on the seasons, balanced with its hand-picked wine list with something for everyone. The restaurant experience, from the service to the ambience makes this unfussy space a local favourite.
Town House’s all-day menu, consisting of simple British dishes made from the finest locally sourced ingredients, centres around the best in seasonal produce. The Josper Grill section offers fresh, locally sourced grilled meat and fish dishes cooked to perfection. More health-conscious diners can also choose from the Salad section of the menu, as a starter or main course.
After a warm welcome with those chilled bubbles, we were offered bread to share comprising of sourdough, soda bread and the chef’s special secret recipe of Guinness brown bread which was so moreish you couldn’t help but indulge in another slice… no wonder the recipe was so under wraps!
We started the meal with Josper Grilled Octopus served with red pepper and cucumber salsa. The flavours of the dish just jumped out from the plate and the octopus was beautifully soft and succulent.
My dining companion had the Wye Valley Asparagus served with brown shrimps and poached hens egg. The dish was a cool British summer classic that’s refreshing on the palate with subtle seasonal flavours that worked well together.
Having set the tone with their tantalising starters, we were eager to sample Town House’s main courses. We ordered the Grilled Cornish Mixed Fish with shellfish dressing. This was a real treat and a great recommendation from our knowledgeable waiter. The dish came with an array of ocean delights including salmon, Dover sole, scallops, prawns and crispy squid. The shellfish dressing (a tasty lobster jus reduction) brought out all the flavours and textures of the seafood selection.
My dining companion had the Whole Dover Sole conveniently served off the bone. This dish came straight from the Josper grill and was packed with bags of flavour. The meaty texture of the fish and simple presentation on the plate allowed all the Dover Sole to take centre stage and its quality speaks for itself.
So often less subtle chefs can over-complicate their dishes with too many bells and whistles of competing flavours. At Town House, dishes like this Dover Sole demonstarte that Executive Chef Steve Gibbs and his team know how to keep ingredients simple but make the dish taste no less extraordinary. Joining the main dishes were some crispy sweet potato chips with rosemary salt as a side dish.
To finish, the Lemon Posset was refreshingly light and airy with a perfect accompaniment of a berry-licious blackcurrant fruit compote and buttery shortbread cookies to compliment the citrusy notes of the dessert.
My dining companion indulged in the Valrhona Dark Chocolate Fondant served with white chocolate ice cream. A delicious dessert dish that was perfectly put together yielding to its centre of gooey chocolate goodness.
Town House is an all-day dining destination spread across three classically designed drawing rooms, serving locally-sourced and seasonal modern British cuisine expertly crafted by Executive Chef Steve Gibbs and his talented team. We can’t wait to return to try more culinary delights from the tantalising best of British seasonal menu.
Town House
The Kensington
109 – 113 Queen’s Gate, Kensington, London SW7 5LP
+44 (0)20 7589 6300
townhousekensington.com
T: @townhouseken
I: @townhousekensington