Having lived in Kensington for almost 3 years, one should think, that I have seen it all in this beautiful borough of London! Luckily, there is still lots to explore – and one of the best kept secrets of Kensington, revealed itself to me last weekend – The Abingdon

It was Sunday, the weather was amazing and Frenchie, Clara and I were on our way to enjoy lunch at “The Abingdon”. (Do yourself a favour and take a walk around in the neighbourhood, while you are here – and enjoy the views of the beautiful townhouses, villas and mews of Kensington)

Here we are! Welcome to award-winning family-owned restaurant and bar The Abingdon! Let’s take a look inside, shall we?

I love the very unique interior here

As the photos show, this is not normal “pub-style”! Instead team Abingdon has chosen to go for a more modern, colourful and eclectic look! The eye-catching U-shaped bar is a great spot for counter dining, if that is what you are up for! (Will you look at Frenchie and Clara enjoying a little glass of white wine before lunch! “Got to love devoted dads with their daughters”, the proud mummy thought to herself)

The wine list here is impressive – even for a Frenchman! Frenchie explained after a closer look “Here is something for everyone! Good old classics – and new organic and biodynamic bottles! (Bonus-info: If you are more into classic cocktails, this can be arranged too!)

What I really like about this place is, that the space is versatile! Depending on you mood, you can choose to be seated in the booths, the bar – or a separate restaurant! (You don’t see this kind of flexibility in many restaurants/ pubs!)

Clara was helping me figuring out, what to order! As you can see, she was clearly thrilled by the menu!

Bread, glorious bread! Before having ordered our food, we were offered to pick a few slices of bread from this heavenly bread-basket! The bread is baked in-house and you can choose between: Marmite wholemeat loaf, rustic white loaf or my favourite – sun dried tomato focaccia 

As expected the menu card was just as interesting, as I have been told before coming here! This restaurant is very much about serving the finest seasonal ingredients from local suppliers – and the menu is full of modern European delicacies. It was hard to choose as there were many things I would love to taste!

So Frenchie and I did as we often do. We ordered as many different dishes as possible with a mission to taste as much as our tummies would allow us! This was my favourite starter and a must-try: “Wild mushroom and smoked burrata strudel with aged balsamic and walnuts”! I can not recommend this starter enough… 

It was crispy and creamy at the same time! I really wanted more and regretted, that I had agreed to share with Frenchie!

But then the “Clam fritters with saffron aioli and fennel salad” came along – and then I wanted them to myself…. The pressure of having to share, when you really love your food!

Frenchie and I are carnivores! No doubt about that! And since we don’t really get to eat a “proper meal” that often (due to a teething baby), we needed meat! Again I must say – this place does not dissapoint! The roast sirloin of beef, Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and Sunday trimmings made Frenchie a whole, new man! 

I had seen this beauty of a burger at the neighbour table – and decided that this was going to be my choice of the day! It was so funny, as the waitress was suggesting me very girly light fish-dishes, but when I said, that I wanted the burger, she looked at me and said “that’s my girl” – and a new friendship was made! Got to love a foodie, when you see one! The burger was marvellous and the meat very high quality!

This little one seemed to be doing pretty fine in spite of some teething issues – and then suddenly she decided, that she wasn’t really fine anymore! So what do parents do? Well, they skip dessert and hurry home to make her feel better (and avoid disturbing other eating guests!)

I do however have a photo of the most popular dessert on the menu-card – The sticky toffee pudding with clotted cream ice-cream! Doesn’t it look delicious? I am most certainly going back to try it out! 

I would like to thank Team Abingdon for treating us so well and spoiling us with the most delicious lunch! As new parents you sometimes forget to eat a “real meal”. This was just what we needed – and we are already looking forward to become “some of the locals”.

 

 

We were invited as guests at The Abingdon. All opinions are as always my own