Harden's survey result
Summary
“Polished cuisine” with a “creative mix of ingredients” – overseen from afar by star chef Phil Howard – elevates this “classic neighbourhood restaurant” off High Street Kensington into something “top class” and one of London’s better-known foodie destinations. If criticism is made, it’s typically that a diner “had heard great things, but was underwhelmed despite finding nothing obviously wrong”. In a similar variable vein, service veers from “very pleasant” to “sometimes chaotic”; and the “well-spaced” dining room is “lovely” to some, too low-key for others.
Summary
“The cuisine’s always delicious, seasonal and inventive” at this smart venue in a sidestreet off Kensington High Street – a “top local” more akin to “West End quality” due to the input of stellar chef Phil Howard (of Elystan Street and formerly the Square), who is a part owner, alongside Rebecca Mascarenhas, who has a long history in running excellent establishments. Not everyone agrees about the low-key interior, though – what is “a little souless” to some folks, is, to others, “lovely”.
Summary
This under-the-radar venture, in a smart row of businesses off Kensington High Street, has supplied “unexpectedly delicious” meals to a well-heeled local crowd for 10 years – although the consistently high marks should be no surprise given that it’s part-owned by star chef Phil Howard (of Elystan Street and formerly The Square). Atmosphere-wise, it’s somewhere between “quietly sophisticated” and “Spartan”.
Summary
This under-the-radar venture, in a smart row of businesses off Kensington High Street, has supplied “unexpectedly delicious” meals to a well-heeled local crowd for 10 years – although the consistently high marks should be no surprise given that it’s part-owned by star chef Phil Howard (of Elystan Street and formerly The Square). Atmosphere-wise, it’s somewhere between “quietly sophisticated” and “Spartan”.
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Kitchen W8?
Restaurant details
Kitchen W8 Restaurant Diner Reviews
"The lunch set menu is very good value. The venison was tender and with a delicate jus. Boudin of partridge to start complimenting the game autumnal theme. "
"Consistently good "
"Having fed the mind at the design museum opted for the set lunch. A good selection of options. Freshly prepped dishes that aren’t showing off but letting the ingredients do their stuff! Good range of wines by the glass. Service friendly and helpful, dealing with queries. Surprised at the quietness, Friday lunchtime expected dining room to be humming. "
"Great food and service in very nice surroundings "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £34.50 | £39.50 |  |
|
 |
| SundayLunch | £42.50 | |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 110.00 | Always available | 6 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £20.20 | £34.30 | £29.00 | £11.25 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 15.00% |
11-13 Abingdon Road, London, W8 6AH
Opening hours
| Monday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12:30 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12:30 pm‑3 pm, 6:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
Best British, Modern restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Kensington and Chelsea
British, Modern restaurant in Kensington
British, Modern restaurant in Kensington
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
Indian restaurant in South Kensington
British, Modern restaurant in Holland Park
French restaurant in Chelsea Square
