John Doe | Notting Hill Restaurant
NOTE: Sadly, John Doe has now closed. But if you’d like to know what it was all about, read on.
Build a man a fire, and he’ll be warm for a day.
Set a man on fire, and he’ll be warm for the rest of his life.
Courtesy of Terry Pratchett Esq, it’s solid logic. But moreover, it serves as a very tentative introduction to Notting Hill’s newest (and only) completely gas-free, log fire grill and smokehouse, John Doe. Where – in a beautiful twist of fate – you’ll also be warm for the rest of your life… because you’ll probably never leave.
This is in small part thanks to owners Tom, Paul, Mark and Nick’s fondness for sustainably-sourced, wild British ingredients, and in large part thanks to the long open kitchen, featuring a bespoke baby blue wood-fired oven affectionately known as Bertha.
Which means that after securing your seat in either the downstairs dining room or at the upstairs counter bar, you’ll be able to peruse the natural grape-heavy wine list and the extensive range of international and local craft beers, catch the chef’s gaze over the counter, and have him match your drinks with whatever it is you decide to order. Which – although the menu changes daily depending on the freshest produce – is probably going to include dishes like chargrilled Cornish squid served with chorizo and sherry vinegar dressing; venison haunch steak and bone marrow; ash-roasted leeks with capers, lentils and tarragon; wood pigeon or pheasant; and for dessert, chocolate ganache with peanut butter cookies, smoked salt and olive oil.
Because who doesn’t love olive oil!
No one, that’s who.
NOTE: John Doe is sadly now closed.
John Doe | 46 Golborne Rd, Notting Hill, W10 5PR
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