Our Editor reviews Town House Kensington
Nestled in one of London’s most charming neighborhoods, Town House at The Kensington Hotel is a hidden gem that combines classic British charm with refined modern dining. I recently had the pleasure of visiting for lunch with a girlfriend, and from the moment I stepped inside, I knew I was in for something special.
First impressions of the space were giving distinctly Bridgerton vibes, but in all the right ways, perfect for a girly afternoon of catching up. Although the decor is formal it exudes a relaxed atmosphere and is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the nearby shops. Service was discreet, just the way I like it. I’m here to catch up with a friend I haven’t seen in a very long time so I don’t want to be constantly interrupted and the staff here know how to read a room. The bathrooms were beautiful and just what you would expect from a gorgeous central London hotel, an elevated experience.
I opted for a Virgin Mary cocktail to begin and this was made with just the right amount of spice. I truly believe it’s the measure of a good bartender, how well they can balance a Bloody/Virgin Mary, but perhaps that’s just my years in hospitality and personal preferences! Starters arrived and while my friend chose one of the many salads on offer, I couldn’t resist when I saw fresh Devon crab on the menu. This was paired with a homemade soda bread of some sort to which I wish I asked the details on but it was beautifully dense and the perfect vessel for my fresh, delicate crab dish.
We had the option to choose from a reasonably-priced set menu but we both opted to go A La Carte on this occasion, our mains were a pumpkin gnocchi and mushroom dish which my friend gave rave reports on and my own was the delectable Dover Sole, cooked à la meunière with lashings of butter and herbs, and by my preference, also with a side of crispy french fries. My main course was delicious and brought to the table in good time where we were just about hungry for our next course, but definitely not feeling rushed out for the next sitting on our table, a personal bug-bear.
I’m gluten-free and my guest is vegetarian and we both felt that the menu catered really well to dietary concerns. I heard a table close to me reeling off numerous allergies from all their guests and I could see the waitress looking after them was not fazed at all so they can clearly accomodate everyone’s individual preferences and needs with their menu.
For those looking to indulge in something a little stronger there’s a well-curated but not overfacing wine menu and plenty of cocktails to choose from including all your classics and a few twists.
Town House at The Kensington really offers a sanctuary amongst the chaos of a bustling London neighbourhood and the perfect location to sit down with a girlfriend for a lazy afternoon catch-up over some wine or a long lunch with family. The Kensington isn’t just a restaurant - it’s an experience. Whether you're a Londoner or just passing through, it's a place that manages to feel both indulgent and welcoming, and I’ll definitely be returning, perhaps next time for one of their iconic themed teas.