Launceston Place

Personal favourite

Launceston Place, photo from management

Holder of 4 AA Rosettes and a Michelin star (Which really should be two), Launceston Place is my personal favourite restaurant in London, in terms of price vs quality, it is simply the best in what London has to offer for me. If you are seeking a top notch fine dining experience without seeing red in your bank statement, I can't think of a better place than Launceston Place.

eel, beetroot and buttermilk

Epoisses gougeres

Iced caramelised celeriac

I went for the great value tasting menu for my 7th visit, starting off with some well crafted gougeres using Epoisses Monbazillac that really lifted up your taste buds with the lovely bold and rich tastes. The duck egg yolk dish with ceps and lardo showcased both knowledge and technical skills of the kitchen, all the elements were cooked faultlessly and worked wonderfully together. 

duck egg yolk, ceps, lardo and articoke

leveret hare, pork jowl, red cabbage, salsify & baked potato

scallop, pumpkin, truffle, apple and caramelised verjus

The best dish on the day has to be the leveret hare dish, the meat was cooked perfectly and absorbed all the bold flavour of the meat jus, the dish came with a beautiful piece of melt in your mouth pork jowl that took me to heaven, a surprising combination but one that worked magically. Dessert of gold rush apple was also a winner, the caramel had the level of sweetness and texture without being too thick or unpleasant, and the praline sorbet added a hint of delightful nutty taste to the palate.

Veal, tete de veau, cauliflower cheese & smoked
Cevennes onion

orange, ginger and buttermilk

gold rush apple, caramel and praline sorbet

As usual, Launceston Place delivered an outstanding meal, not one single dish on the day failed my expectations. Some exceptional flavours and well put together ingredients, and did I mention the presentation? As beautiful as you would expect in a high level fine dining restaurant, classy looking without being gimmicky. Head chef Tim Allen is such a supreme talent and I am excited to see how he and Launceston Place will progress in 2015.

Food 4.5/5

Head chef: 
Tim Allen

What I paid: 
£96 per head with a glass of 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/