A Chef’s Guide To Kensington

With its world-famous museums, grand Victorian terraces and beautiful green spaces, Kensington is one of the capital’s most charming neighbourhoods. It also has an eclectic food scene which draws in both locals and tourists, with an array of fine dining restaurants, cosy cafes and cosy pubs dotted around its pretty streets. But which are the area’s top spots? Here local chef Ben Murphy, who heads up the kitchen at Launceston Place, shares his top recommendations. Read on for Ben’s pick of the best restaurants in Kensington.

Ben Murphy

Ben Murphy is one of London’s most exciting young chefs. He began his career cooking with Pierre Koffmann at The Berkeley, who helped nurture his own style of modern European cuisine. Next he spent time in France, cooking at Michel Guérard’s three Michelin-starred Les Prés d’Eugénie and Le Bristol in Paris, before returning to London. Since 2017, he has worked as the head chef at Launceston Place, a three AA rosette restaurant housed in a townhouse in South Kensington.

Best Places To Eat In Kensington: Ben Murphy’s Pick

Kitchen W8

Mark Kempson is a great chef and a great guy! Mark cooks some really delicious food at the one-Michelin starred restaurant, located in a great neighbourhood, which is also good value for money.

11-13 Abingdon Rd, London W8 6AH, kitchenw8.com

Prince Of Wales

They do a great Guinness which is fairly priced. 

8 Kensington Church St, London W8 4EP, greeneking.co.uk

Dishoom

A classic for really good food. Each dish holds an array of different flavours and is one of the best Indians I’ve ever had. The Kensington restaurant has a buzz atmosphere, perfect for a date night.

4 Derry St, London W8 5SE, dishoom.com

Jacuzzi

An Italian restaurant serving classic Italian food. I love the interior of the restaurant, it reminds me of actually being in Italy.

94 Kensington High St, London W8 4SH, bigmammagroup.com

Hjem

For me, the best coffee spot in Kensington and luckily it’s our neighbour. The queue never ends!

3 Launceston Pl, London W8 5RJ

HG Walter Butchers

Exceptional meat, offering the highest quality which is great value for money.

51 Palliser Rd, London W14 9EB, hgwalter.com

Zuaya

I love Latin American food, the concept of sharing really attracts me. At Zuaya the portions sizes are big enough for the whole table to enjoy and every dish is a great price for the quality and quantity.

35B Kensington High St, London W8 5EB, zuaya.co.uk

Five Guys

I’d be lying if I haven’t been to Five Guys a few times with my team. It’s the perfect post service comfort food, especially after a few beers at the end of the week!

183 Kensington High St, W8 6SH Kensington, restaurants.fiveguys.co.uk

Launceston Place

Selfishly I’d also have to add Launceston Place to this list. I work with a young and refreshing team who are all ambitious, working to the principle of of understated food that over delivers, all for a great value for money.  

1A Launceston Pl, London W8 5RL, launcestonplace-restaurant.co.uk