FFG Eats: Kitchen W8

This one’s for the foodie. I have finally eaten at Kensington’s Kitchen W8, our neighbourhood Michelin starred restaurant. It should be noted that it will forever be strange to acknowledge that I live near a place that could have a Michelin star. I can remember thinking, as a child, that this meant you were living the good life. Michelin starred restaurants only existed in the most prestigious of places. Of course I know now that Michelin stars are not location dependent. They truly are awarded on the merit of the chef and the place itself. A restaurant need not be in the biggest city in the world to receive this accolade. In London, it doesn’t need to be in the centre of town either. Kitchen W8 is tucked away down a rather unremarkable side street in Kensington. 

Walking into the restaurant, you discover the decor is clean and simple and gives very little away about the food itself, which is “modern English with a French soul.” However, as the dishes approach the table, everything comes into focus. The surroundings do, in fact, perfectly reflect the plates being served. The food is clean, contemporary and beautiful without being pretentious. Chef Mark Kempson, who has been with the restaurant since its founding in 2009, delivers with every single bite. The food is full on flavour, overwhelming on surprise elements and generous in size. I can say, hand on heart, that absolutely nothing tasted the way I imagined it would. The combinations of flavours are truly sensational and incredibly inventive. Of course this is why Kitchen W8 was awarded a Michelin star in 2011, one they have retained ever since. 

If you are looking for a special occasion dinner, this is the place to book. Go with foodie friends, treat yourself, or make it an excuse for a rather glam business meeting, but experience this little slice of heaven at some point. It is well worth the visit. For those that are true foodies, go in for the tasting menu. If you are a little less peckish, there’s also an a la carte. It is reasonable in price and most definitely one for the little black book!

Kitchen W8 

11-13 Abbingdon Road

London W8 6AH

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