Launceston Place

Kensington's finest

Once again I headed back to the Michelin starred Launceston Place, I am becoming a bit of a regular there lately due to the fact head chef Tim Allen's cooking is simply outstanding and exceptional in value for the quality you are getting. Over the past year the food at Launceston Place has progressed and in my eye it is now one of the very best that London has to offer along with the likes of The Ledbury and Hibiscus.

canapes

asparagus, cooked on the barbeque, duck egg and morels

For the very first time I went for the market menu which is their version of a la carte menu. I opted for the asparagus, cooked on the barbeque. It was the full version of the same dish I've had from my tasting menu in the past. The asparagus was so moist and fresh with a wonderful smoky aroma. The ducks egg were cooked to perfection and the morels offered a hint of earthiness and lovely smooth textures. 

scallop, fresh truffle cassonade
confit chicken wing and sorrel

turbot, cauliflower, shrimps, lemon and crab

I went for the turbot for main and it was really something, the fish was sublimely cooked, soft and moist with an eye pleasing golden surface. The combination of shrimps, crab and lemon had really brought the fish to life with its natural sweetness and sour note. The sliced barbequed cauliflower offered a robust texture which gave the dish a lovely harmony. 

Wagyu beef, Cévennes onion,
Bourguignon garnish red wine sauce

cheeses

In typical fashion, we ordered some cheeses before our desserts as the restaurant has a solid range of choices. For my dessert I had the pistachio and chocolate sphere with a fun presentation. The based of puffed rice and pistachio soil gave the dish a nutty and crispy texture and the chocolate sphere itself had such a luxurious taste without overwhelming other elements on the plate. 

pistachio and chocolate sphere, puffed rice
and pistachio soil chocolate and pistachio sorbet

roasted pineapple, lime and bourbon cheesecake,
pineapple ice cream

Yet another fabulous lunch at Launceston Place, all the dishes totally delivered in terms of aroma, taste, texture and presentation. It was great to see the kitchen is progressing all the time and I am really looking forward to seeing what Tim will come up with from his next menu to see if he and the team can take Launceston Place to the next level.

Food 4.5/5

Head chef: 
Tim Allen

What I paid: 
£80 per head with cocktail and wine

Average cost without drinks and services:
Lunch menu: £30
Tasting menu: £70


1A Launceston Pl  London, Greater London W8 5RL

http://www.launcestonplace-restaurant.co.uk/