Notting Hill has long been known for that blue door, as well as being a fashionable London neighbourhood filled with great little spots to dine and drink. The newest spot to open is The Residency in Westbourne Grove which, if the Wednesday evening we visited was anything to go by, is already a hit with the locals.
The Residency has channelled the creative community for which Westbourne Grove is known into every aspect of the new restaurant. You notice it from the moment you walk through the door and are met with sleek and stylish floor-to-ceiling wood panelling, velvet upholstery and artwork curated by India Rose James of Soho Revue Gallery. Bistro-style tables grace the front of the restaurant, while at the back are high tables with stools, the bar space, and a DJ deck for evenings.
When it comes to the food, Head Chef Carniel Francis and team cooks up a storm. Fish features prominently on the menu, which is inspired by both European and Caribbean cuisine with dishes such as Ackee & Saltfish arancini. Starters include treats such as grilled King Prawns with a hot smoked paprika garlic foam – a smoky flavour shines through perfectly cooked prawns (and the plates they’re served on almost tempted me to slip one in my bag).
The burrata was tasty – the mild cheese was enhanced with the sweet and tangy cherry tomato marmalade, and herby basil cream.
Don’t be fooled by the Lemon Spaghettini’s simple description – this dish is packed with flavour. Lemony, creamy, and a generous portion too.
The Tuna Tartare was a little circle of deliciousness. A layer of creamy avocado topped with chunks of fresh, rich tuna. To top it all off, little pearls of ‘caviar’ that popped with a salty kick. If you get sides, I’d highly recommend the sweet potato fries.
If after all that you still have room for dessert, try the Chocolate Surprise. By making it with triple chocolate, they have managed to make a ganache which is both rich, chocolatey, and yet at the same time wonderfully light. For a little touch of extra theatre, the caramel sauce is brought in a tiny copper saucepan and poured over the top at the table.
The wine menu is concise but with a good selection of wines by the glass or by the bottle – if you’re visiting on a warm summer’s evening, try a glass of the Henners Gardner Street Rosé. Both the signature and classic cocktails looked fantastic and will be on the hit list next time we visit.
As we head towards Autumn, this little neighbourhood hot spot will provide everything you need from good food, good wine, and a cosy atmosphere. I’ll be back soon.
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Chatting Food Contributor: Chloe Walden
Chloe has a passion for all things food and drink. Whether that’s getting stuck into cooking a new cuisine in the kitchen, dining out in a new London hot spot, or adding a new tipple to her drinks trolley, her life revolves around what’s next on the menu. On the weekend, you can often find her with a G&T in one hand, and a cookbook in the other.
Twitter: @chloewaldenPR Instagram: @chloewalden
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