Harden's survey result
Summary
“A special place to dine in stylish and intimate rooms” – this “quirkily laid-out” townhouse (est. 1986) in a quiet Kensington backstreet “exudes gracious hospitality” and “never fails to delight”, particularly as a “romantic” destination. Chef Ben Murphy joined in January 2017 and why Michelin have failed to award him a star is anyone’s guess: his cuisine “is delicious with subtle flavour combinations and artistically presented plates” that all make up for a “memorable” occasion. (You would never know it was owned by D&D London – it stands head and shoulders over the rest of their portfolio nowadays.)
Summary
“Discreet and off the beaten track” – this supremely “cosy and classy neighbourhood restaurant” is “tucked away in an attractive street in Kensington and well worth a visit”. “Ben Murphy’s cuisine is fun and playful”, providing “absolutely sensational” dishes that are “packed with flavour”. In the last year he has rightly been elevated to being chef/patron here and – in terms of quality, if not perhaps fame – this is “definitely the jewel in the crown of the D&D empire”.
Summary
“In a quiet residential corner of Kensington”, on a picture-book street – this “lovely and calm” pre-Victorian townhouse (established as a restaurant in 1985, and owned by D&D Restaurants since 2007) creates a sense of “privacy” that’s particularly “great for a romantic evening”. “Over the years there have been many changes of chef”, but since Ben Murphy joined in early 2017, the food rating here has been “on an upward trajectory” and his “exciting” cuisine – “fun, whimsical, delicious” – won impressively consistent praise this year. “Surely a Michelin star is now beckoning for this young chef”?
Summary
“In a quiet residential corner of Kensington”, on a picture-book street – this “lovely and calm” pre-Victorian townhouse (established as a restaurant in 1985, and owned by D&D Restaurants since 2007) creates a sense of “privacy” that’s particularly “great for a romantic evening”. “Over the years there have been many changes of chef”, but since Ben Murphy joined in early 2017, the food rating here has been “on an upward trajectory” and his “exciting” cuisine – “fun, whimsical, delicious” – won impressively consistent praise this year. “Surely a Michelin star is now beckoning for this young chef”?
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 Launceston Place?
Restaurant details
Launceston Place Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Exceptional restaurant all round. Service was warm and friendly, not too formal. Food was great, innovative and playful. "
"It’s a while since we last visited, our 3 course set lunch on Sunday at £39 was superb value. I had sea bream starter followed by the pork, served with Potato pavé. Decent wine list. All in all excellent value for money."
"We've known since its opening, years ago, and it's still a pleasure to return. Refined and interesting dishes, though limited choice at lunchtime. Attentive service and understated but comfortable ambience. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £95.00 |  |
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| Lunch | £33.00 | £39.00 | |
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| Dinner | £68.00 | |
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| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 72.00 | Lunch only | 3 |
| Menu2 | 95.00 | Dinner only | 3 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 15.00% |
1a Launceston Place, London, W8 5RL
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
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