Origin Kensington

Origin Kensington might be hidden within one of Kensington’s most prestigious hotels, but punters shouldn’t be put off by its looming facade. The hotel itself is positioned on the edge of Hyde Park and Origin has been designed to make the most of that fact, with enormous wrapround windows offering excellent views, while flooding the space with natural light. It's a surprisingly serene place to enjoy a meal in the centre of London: terracotta walls hint at sunnier climes, and the room is spacious enough for tables to be generously spaced, offering guests to ample privacy to relax, chat, or even pop in for a quick solo meal.  

The restaurant was recently awarded two AA Rosettes and executive chef John Serhal has done a fine job at elevating the cosmopolitan menu so that it still feels considered and special. There are sections for ‘comforting classics’ and Asian-inspired plates, a nod to the hotel’s international clientele, but the core menu revolves around modern British cooking using high quality ingredients. 

Indeed, dishes are executed very well, including a dainty, perfectly cooked piece of pollock that flakes at the slightest touch, paired with sprightly flashes of pickled shallots and capers. A very nice piece of chicken served with a verdant ‘chicken sauce’, a crispy meat-filled croquette and sweet, roasted cauliflower showcases accomplished cookery - it’s a plate that could easily be found on the menus of many of London’s fine dining restaurants. We finish with a chocolate mousse, which marries light, aerated white chocolate with a hidden layer of cherry jelly and a crisp wafer base.  

Sehral’s cookery is not to be sniffed at and we feel slightly regretful that it’s hidden within the walls of a super-hotel. Service is kind and helpful, although watch out for the wine list which will catch you out on price. Although if budget is an issue, there’s a great-value set lunch menu we already have our eye on.  

Situated within the Royal Garden Hotel, Origin is the perfect destination for a luxurious meal in a refined setting. Serving lunch, dinner, a weekend brunch and a stellar Sunday roast, locals and visitors alike can drop by anytime for a dining experience of the highest standard. The dining room itself is a light and airy space with comfortable seating, plentiful natural light and views overlooking Kensington Gardens.

The menu at Origin is designed around the best seasonal British produce, and the team boasts a relationship with premium suppliers including Aubrey Allen, the Royal household’s preferred butcher. Expect an array of classic yet extravagant British dishes devised by acclaimed executive chef John Serhal, who boasts a lengthy career in luxury hotels and Michelin starred restaurants across London.

The a la carte offering changes frequently but can include starters like a foraged wild mushroom tart with black garlic, parmesan and nori, confit duck with bitter leaves and cherry, and Origin’s signature Caesar salad with Norfolk chicken. Mains are hearty and satisfying like loin of venison with parsnip, pear, kale and spiced jus, and its signature shepherd’s pie, made with 16-hour braised Welsh lamb shoulder, cheddar mash, and rosemary gravy. Vegetable based dishes are given equal thought here at Origin with mains including a salt baked swede with turnip, truffle, almond and chilli.

If you fancy a taste of what Origin has to offer at a more wallet friendly price point, take advantage of the excellent value set lunch menu available Monday to Friday which offers a selection of its most popular dishes.

There is an ardent focus on putting British produce in the spotlight here, and this extends to the beverage list, with all alcohol being sourced from the UK. Enjoy a bottle of Kent sparkling wine, rumoured to match up to French labels, or try signature cocktails which change seasonally.