Yes, London’s full of shiny new restaurant openings. And yes, they’re often very exciting. If anyone gets it, we do – we’re literally first in line for most of them.
But every once in a while, it’s nice to shine a light on the restaurants that have been quietly nailing it for years. Restaurants like Kitchen W8, which has held its Michelin Star for 15 years.
And if in that time, you’ve not had a chance to try this subtlety elegant spot just off High Street Kensington? Well now’s your chance, as Nudge Members +1 are getting 50% off the new spring tasting menu from 8th – 29th May.
Kitchen W8 opened what feels like a small lifetime ago back in 2009. It’s the brainchild of co-founders chef Phil Howard, his business partner Rebecca Mascarenhas – who’s been dubbed ‘The Queen of Neighbourhood Restaurants’ – and head chef Mark Kempson (who worked with Phil at his former Michelin-starred and much-beloved restaurant The Square, and The Vineyard at Stockcross).
Tucked just off the bustle of High Street Kensington, Kitchen W8 doesn’t shout for attention – but it doesn’t need to. Its black awnings and discreet signage seem unassuming, but it also somehow oozes the warmth of a neighbourhood restaurant that will make you stop in your tracks to peer through the window. Inside, it’s all quiet elegance: white tablecloths, terracotta pots of dried flowers and botanical wall murals. It’s fifty shades of sage but the overall effect is calming and clean.
Retaining a Michelin-star for 13 years takes some doing. But Mark puts a steady yet skilful touch onto dishes that show a real understanding of food that people want to eat rather than just take photos of. On the Spring menu you can expect the very best of the season. There’s a puffed Jersey Royal cracker with wild leek, crème fraîche and chives to start; malted porridge sourdough with whipped onion butter and a salad of BBQ Norfolk asparagus and truffle cream. There’s also a stuffed breast of Guinea Fowl that’s served so succulent with wild garlic, ancient grains and buttered radish; and to finish, a majestic brick of Valrhona chocolate pavé with salted caramel ice cream, peanut praline and lime.
The food is approachable, unpretentious and ultimately delicious. There aren’t four different sizes of forks to choose from or dishes that look as though they’ve come straight from a science lab. Just like the food, the vibe is relaxed yet refined; there’s no dress code or table-side flambéing, it’s pared down while still being the type of place you’d reserve for a special occasion.
In a time when the odds feel piled high against restaurants new and old, it’s reassuring to see a stalwart that’s clearly doing something right.
NOTE: Kitchen W8 is open everyday for lunch from 12:15pm and for dinner from 6pm. You can find out more information or book at table on the Kitchen W8 website
PERK: Nudge Members +1 are getting 50% off the new spring tasting menu from 8th – 29th May. Not a Nudge Member yet? Sign up for a free 7 day trial.
Kitchen W8 | 11-13 Abingdon Rd, London W8 6AH
Like top shelf dining? Peruse our guide to the current list of Michelin Star restaurants in London