Pavilion, Kensington - Review
Cat Byers |
Adam Simmonds is stepping up the gastronomy game in Kensington with his latest restaurant, Pavilion.
Despite being home to hoards of hungry hedge fund managers, Kensington is not known for its restaurants. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to think of anywhere particularly notable aside from Lauceston Place, which was considered modern and exciting when it opened...28 years ago. A quality new eatery in these parts has therefore been a long time coming, so the arrival of Pavilion on Kensington High Street last month couldn't have been more necessary. Overseen by Head Chef Adam Simmonds (of ‘Great British Menu' fame, along with a few Michelin stars), the menu is exciting enough to tempt diners out of Soho, but doesn't alienate the classic West London customer. Located on the ground floor of Pavilion members club (previously known as Dryland), the restaurant is arranged around a beautiful marble bar, complete with glass pillars and brass inlays. It all feels very Gatsby, particularly with the dangerously boozy cocktail menu including a martini ‘trilogy' which is actually three individual martinis, accidentally ordered by my companion to her horror.