Smart Italian group Chucs is known for its stylish restaurants all across town and the Kensington branch is its final jewel in the crown - for now. As the name gives away, this site is a cafe as opposed to a restaurant, so expect a more casual affair, serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days a week, with a focus on first-rate coffee supplied by Difference Coffee Co.
Available in only a handful of upmarket establishments in the capital, the Difference Coffee Co. sources the very highest-grade coffees, and works alongside one of only four fully-licensed Coffee Quality Graders in the world to create what it promises is an exemplary cup of joe.
Food-wise, diners can expect a broad range of drinks, snacks and more substantial meals, from smoothies to paninis, salads and pastas, the majority of which are available to take away. Personally, we like the sound of the fresh cakes and pastries stand, with different delights trapped behind the glass everyday.
Brunch sees the likes of homemade granola with strawberries and yoghurt alongside classic favourites such as eggs Benedict, and smashed avocado with poached eggs and the Chucs breakfast, which is packed full with mushrooms, black pudding, Paddock Farm sausage and Cotswolds streaky bacon.
Meanwhile, the all-day menu features some of Chucs’ most popular dishes, including lobster linguine with garlic, tomatoes and chilli, as well as the Chucs truffle pizza and the Chucs burger with cheddar, bacon and fries. If, come evening, you'd like to tip your hat to the Italian's aperitivo hour, small plates of cichetti are divine alongside a typical golden hour cocktail.
We like the sound of the burrata with datterini tomatoes, calamari fritti and grilled prawns with chilli, garlic and gremolata. Pair with an Aperol Spritz, Plum and Orange Spritz or a Riviera Negroni for 'la dolce vita' bliss.