Kitchen W8

Integral to Kitchen W8’s enduring charm is its ability not to overcomplicate things. We imagine that retaining a Michelin star for as long as it has elicits a certain degree of pressure to reinvent oneself from time to time, but co-owners Phil Howard and Rebecca Mascarenhas have stuck to their guns, and for that we’re extremely grateful.  

Their dream was for Kitchen W8 to be a ‘home away from home’ when they launched it in 2009, which it still is now. White tablecloths are the only real reminder that we’re in a high class, central-Kensington establishment, while muted tones and glowy lighting create a relaxed, living room-esque dining space. Integral to this unwavering neighbourhood feel is its clientele of regulars, which we deduced by a number of solo diners who were clearly popping in for a glass of wine and a main from head chef Mark Kempson’s sophisticated menu.  

Kempson’s ability to astound with simplicity is surely one of the best things about Kitchen W8. Our three-course dinner began with three delicate disks of lobster ravioli, enveloped in beautifully thin handmade pasta and topped with lightly pickled cubes of apple. This dainty creation was then destroyed with aplomb as our waitress poured over an utterly addictive pool of shellfish bisque, submerging the lot. Next, a flaky piece of cod partnered with dinky pieces of farfalle pasta and neat little cubes of salty sausage, were doused in a heady tarragon butter sauce soaking every bite in glossy richness. To finish, a still-warm apricot bakewell tart accompanied by softly-sweet honey and camomile ice cream and a puddle of apricot coulee was the understated, plate-licking finale the meal needed.  

It’s possible to dine on three courses for less than £35 a head if you opt for the set menu, although you’re looking closer to £50 if you’re dining a la carte. But for the quality of food, flawless service and its upmarket postcode, Kitchen W8 is one of the best-value Michelin-starred restaurants in London.  

Kitchen W8 is a Michelin-starred neighbourhood gem in the heart of Kensington, opened by co-owners Philip Howard (Elystan Street and The Square) and Rebecca Mascarenhas in 2009. Their intention was to provide lucky local W8 residents with a ‘home away from home’, somewhere to enjoy great food in a warm and welcoming setting. Over a decade later and Kitchen W8 is still a vital part of Kensington’s restaurant scene, serving exceptional food in a genuinely relaxed and friendly environment.

Integral to Kitchen W8’s success is its incredibly talented head chef Mark Kempson, who’s been with the restaurant since launch. His skilled cooking helped to win it a Michelin star just two years after opening in 2011, an achievement it’s held on to ever since. Kempson has devised a range of menus for multiple dining styles, including a la carte and tasting menus, as well as an excellent-value set menu available for lunch and early evening.

The style of food is modern British with a French spin, where ultra-fresh ingredients are placed centre stage and treated simply. Examples of dishes you might find include scorched Cornish mackerel with smoked eels, golden beets, sweet mustard and oyster leaf as a starter, and halibut fillet with Delicia pumpkin, chestnut gnocchi, sage and pepper emulsion for main course. While dessert keeps things classic with the likes of muscovado and Madagascan vanilla crème caramel, and clementine and ginger sorbet with warm vanilla beignets.

There is also a carefully-chosen and varied wine list which features a selection of great-value and premium bottles. If you’d like to bring your own preferred wine with you, you can do so for a corkage fee (with free corkage on Sunday evenings).