Pavilion
is a brand new restaurant on Kensington High Street from Adam Simmonds who you may just recognise from the most recent series of BBC’s Great British Menu. After leaving his eponymous Michelin starred restaurant at Danesfield House in Buckinghamshire last year, he’s been focusing on opening his first London spot and, after trying it out, we’re very glad he’s made the jump to the capital.Being in Kensington, no expense has been spared on the design and it really is a lovely space, heavily decked out in marble and brass fixtures. A large square ‘island’ bar sits a the centre of the room, with a deli counter full of meats and cheeses on one side and an open kitchen at the far end where you can spot Simmonds and the team beavering away.
As you might expect from a man who’s held Michelin star, the cooking at Pavilion is top-notch. From the starters we went for slow-cooked pork belly with homemade black pudding, Scottish langoustine, smoked pineapple and lardo; and Salmon Gravadlax, crab salad, pomelo, and avocado.
A main of roast lamb cutlets was served with smoked aubergine puree, goat’s curd and anchovy salsa verde which might sound like one thing too many but actually all worked together really well. From the desserts the yoghurt panna cotta with raspberry sorbet was a definite winner as was the huge selection of British cheeses that we’d been eyeing up in the deli counter since we walked in!
Pavilion is looking pretty good already and is definitely a worthy addition to an area which isn’t exactly renowned for great restaurants. Welcome to London Mr Simmonds.
96 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 4SG
www.kensingtonpavilion.com