Time flies, doesn’t it! I can’t believe that we are already in August – which also means, that this lioness is celebrating her birthday… This year, Frenchie and I had decided, that we wanted to have a date-night on my birthday (without our wonderful, but very “busy” little 3-year old daughter) The Kensington Hotel in London has always been a favourite of mine, so that’s where we went!

Here I am in front of The Veranda at The Kensington, A perfect outdoor dining oasis set amongst the Regency homes of South Kensington… I love it!

Bonus-info: The Veranda at The Kensington is the newest addition to the hotels well established restaurant and bar. The stunning flower filled outdoor terrace welcomes guests and locals to enjoy irresistible cocktails, champagne and all-day food menu with some of the hotel’s favourite dishes as well as European summer classics.

The Veranda is open daily from 12pm – 9.30pm, where you can enjoy an all-day drinking and dining experience, with a signature L’Apero menu created in partnership with Grande Marque Champagne house Perrier-Jouët

Even though I really wanted to sit outside and eat, the weather wasn’t that great, so after our lovely glass of bubbles, Frenchie and I decided to eat inside… (Isn’t this just the most beautiful hotel? I couldn’t stop having my photos taken here. You always feel like a princess at The Kensington)

Happy Frenchie in front of the fireplace with the stunning K bar in the background….

Tonight was the night…. Where I was going to try my first oyster! I was really nervous, as I never really liked the look of them…

Frenchie is however a pro! He knows all the tips and tricks, and did a good job convincing me, that this was a real gourmet experience! He just loves oysters so much… 

My turn! I decided not to look too much at the wobbly little thing and put a lot of lemon and vinaigrette on the oyster to camouflage the taste (it was my first time, so I was allowed) To be honest, it wasn’t that bad! I might even get to like oysters in time… Frenchie was in love and the oysters at The Kensington got 5 stars from a real connoisseur

A few photos from the gorgeous Townhouse Restaurant, where they also serve Afternoon Tea. Want to know more? Read my London Landmarks Afternoon Tea at The Kensington blog post here!

The K Bar at The Kensington with its elegant décor! I love the oak panels, polished brass accents, mirrored walls and slate floor. It is such a sophisticated place and perfect for enjoying a classic cocktail

Not the best quality photo, but under-lit lamps and beautiful chandeliers can be difficult to work with. Don’t you just adore all this green marble and velvet-upholstered stools?

Back to our table, where our starters were about to arrive… I was so happy when I saw, that they serve gazpacho here. It is a favourite of mine and not easy to find on a menu card. This one was exceptionally good

We also enjoyed Buffalo milk burrata with heritage tomatoes, basil, green olives and focaccia …

 – and Gruyère gougères, peppered beef and watercress. So good!

Yup – I was a happy birthday girl!

Our main courses was just as delicious as our starters… Frenchie had the entrecôte with fries and sauce béarnaise and I went for something more light – the chicken schnitzel with rocket, caper and lemon vinaigrette! Really lovely! 

Can you imagine someone has actually lived in this house! It is like a dream, isn’t it! I always pretend, that I live in a place like this, when I am visiting… No wonder my daughter thinks she is a princess unicorn mermaid all of the time! 

The staff at The Kensington are very, very lovely and attentive. I was really touched, when they came with a birthday cake for me with a candle in it! What a sweet gesture – oh, and the cake was delicious! Happy Birthday to me! 

I would like to thank everyone at The Kensington for such a lovely evening at one of my favourite hotels in London! I never get tired of coming to this place and can not recommend it highly enough. A real pearl in London, which must be visited, if you are nearby

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