Kitchen W8

We stumbled upon an unassuming place with a very familiar red sign - there it was, a neighbourhood Michelin spot right before our eyes. Without much hesitation, we stepped inside.Inside, it was a delicate blend of comfort, elegance, and nature - light walls with a subtle floral pattern, natural wood, and touches of green throughout. It was the kind of place you instantly want to stay in.I won’t keep you waiting this time - this restaurant is absolutely worth booking for your upcoming weekend.Head chef Mark Kempso, as the website says, “serves food that people want to eat, not just admire.” Words that truly resonated with me - not every chef understands the importance of balancing bold presentation with real flavour.There are two set menus for adults (three courses, with two options each) and one à la carte dish: gnocchi with caramelised parmesan, white asparagus, grilled courgette, and wild garlic. A perfect choice for pasta and cheese lovers.From the set menu, both starters impressed🔸”Buffalo mozzarella, grilled beetroot, blood orange, roasted fennel and rocket”and🔸”Crispy Cornish cod cheek, smoked garlic emulsion, vinegar scraps, and Jersey Royal Quavers”.While both were great, the fish felt more intriguing than the familiar mozzarella - it had a delicate, refined flavour. I’d recommend going with that.The main course is a tough choice and depends on your personal preference — “meat or fish”:🔸“Fillet of Chalk stream trout, river trout, warm tartar sauce, new potatoes, cucumber and sorrel”or🔸“Roast breast and Raviolo of spring chicken, braised lettuce, mushrooms, hazelnut”.Both are flawless, but I have to highlight the chicken — the presentation was unique, with multi-layered flavours: fillet, dumpling, and an outstanding mushroom sauce. I fear this might become the first Michelin spot I return to simply to enjoy lunch — not to write about it, but to savour it.For dessert, I highly recommend the🔸Sicilian Lemon Posset served with strawberries and warm mini doughnuts. Absolutely delicious!