An elegant eatery offering quintessential British cuisine and charming interiors, Sophie Ritchie dines the night away at Town House at The Kensington
The venue
Kensington is an area of London that simply brims with elegance. The shops are suave, the people are poised and the buildings are beautiful.
The Kensington Hotel is no exception – comprised of four Regency townhouses moulded into one property, this five-star hotel has earned a reputation for being one of London’s most refined stays.
Within, you’ll find Town House, an all-day dining restaurant serving up classic British dishes in the surrounds of a restaurant that emulates the feel of a classic English home.
High ceilings, roaring fires and ultra comfy seating fill the intimate space – there’s even an enormous front door perched around the main hotel entrance to welcome you in. Good news – you can still keep your shoes on.
The food & drink
Dishes are courtesy of Executive Chef Adi Mandokhot, whose varied menu offers British fare with a focus on seasonal produce. Whether you’re looking to gorge or nibble, there’s plenty to choose from; small or larger portions are also available for many dishes.
When I visit Town House to try the offering for myself with a friend, my greedy eyes scour the menu to find a host of hearty fare. Fish & Chips with pea purée, Butternut squash risotto and steaks aplenty.
There’s also a wide selection of tempting salads, which refreshingly offer more than just a few limp leaves and dressing.
It’s fairly quiet in Town House when we initially arrive, with a rather hushed atmosphere as diners murmur quietly across tables around us. Our friendly waiter however, chats away loudly and offers his recommendations, pointing out menu highlights and suggested wine pairings.
I start with the Superfood Salad (£8) for a somewhat healthy way to commence the meal. I’m washing it down with a large glass of Sauv Blanc (but I’ll ignore that for the time being).
The salad arrives in a ceramic bowl filled to the top with crunchy quinoa, fresh brocoli florets, lashings of crumbled feta and fragrant pomegranate seeds, which are scattered across like rubies.
The fruity jewels burst in my mouth as I chew through the quinoa, making for a refreshing bite. Despite its angelic ingredients, the salad’s very filling – you could easily order it for a lunchtime bite as its own main and leave satisfied.
Starters finished, it’s onto the mains. Thankfully by now, the restaurant’s much livelier. A procession of people have trickled in, leaving Town House buzzing with the sound of laughter, clinking glasses and chatter.
There’s a wide mix of guests dining tonight – some here on dates, others for business dinners and even large families. Evidently, the charming interiors and well-dressed dishes appeal to a variety of hungry appetites.
Back to the food. Forever a seafood fan, I opt for the Seared scallops with roast cauliflower, Granny Smith apple, sea purslane. At £29 for six scallops, it’s certainly not cheap – but the meaty shellfish are delicious (although very slow to arrive).
The sauce swirls around the fat scallops in a golden puddle, complimenting the juicy textures perfectly as I glide my knife through the dish. Topped with shavings of apple, the seasonal flavours are wonderfully comforting. Simple but sumptuous, I find myself looking at an empty plate before I know it.
Suitably stuffed, I’m far too full for dessert (although the Dark chocolate fondant does sound divine, the belt of my jeans says otherwise). I settle for coffee instead, sipping a fluffy late night cappuccino alongside my dining companion as we gossip the night away.
The Wordrobe verdict
At Town House, dishes are as elegant as the interiors, served by friendly staff in chic surrounds.
Pay a visit to enjoy the best of British in the surrounds of a regal Kensington dining parlour – with its charming style and delicious cuisine, it’s the perfect spot for a debonair dinner.
Make it happen
Where: 109-113 Queen’s Gate, Kensington, London SW7 5LP
Reservations: Visit townhousekensington.com or phone 020 7589 6300 to make a booking.
Words by Sophie Ritchie. Find her on Instagram here.
