A suitably stylish affair for Kensington, the Oyster and Champagne Bar at the Whole Foods Market offers W8 foodies another chance to indulge in the high life.

The Venue
The Oyster and Champagne Bar sits elegantly on the first floor of the Whole Foods Market and threatens to look out of place amongst the other more informal dining areas that surround it. You’re immediately welcomed by a sumptuous display of shrimp, vine cherry tomatoes, lobster and Champagne, all on a bed of ice behind the bar. Mirrors give the small bar greater depth and the uniform white scheme gives it a crisp feel of cleanliness that complements what you’re set to tuck into. Bar seating curves round the bar whilst more formal tables fill the small area in front of the bar.

The Atmosphere
The Oyster and Champagne Bar is a little more swish than some of the other more homely areas on the first floor, but is justified by the stylish cuisine. It’s clearly been thought out well as the seats at the bar all face away from the hustle and bustle that goes on behind, and all the diner can see is the delicious seafood and quality Champagnes that they can dip into. The mirrors that make everything feel more spacious are positioned nicely to reflect the whites, ice and champers so you really can forget your location quite easily, making sipping bubbly and sampling stunning seafood all the more of a treat. However, if you do look around or choose one of the tables, be prepared for the facade to end quite quickly when you realise there’s home-ware for sale and a faux pub next door.

The Food
It’s not just oysters here, there’s a good selection of fresh and well sourced seafood too but the oysters themselves make it certainly worth visiting. The bartenders clearly know their stuff and seem genuinely interested in finding something that suits your particular palate. For example, the Colchesters are huge and full of flavour whereas those from Northern Ireland are less potent and somewhat smaller so far easier to manage, so be prepared to ask and the staff will point you in the right direction. Prawns are served up in either a hot and spicy or sweet and mild dressing, both of which bring out the freshness of the plump prawns nicely. The lobster and crab salad is small yet delicious, and incredibly fresh, whilst a smoked salmon salad is again exemplary, with soft, salty fish benefiting from subtle hints of juniper and a clean, zesty salad.

The Drink
The Oyster and Champagne Bar offers some superb wines and Champagnes that don’t break the bank if you don’t want them to. Of particular note is the organic Faust AOC Champagne Carte D’or from France that is a deliciously crisp and light offering that’s almost quaffable. Also definitely worth trying is a delicious Chardonnay, the L’arter Bourgogne Blanc that’s exclusive to Whole Foods and is seductively fruity and floral. However, for those really looking to be extravagant there’s a stunning Bollinger that still manages to remain good value for money, especially when it goes so superbly with the Colchester oysters.

The Last Word
A sublime addition to the Whole Foods emporium, The Champagne and Oyster Bar offers food and drink of real quality. Just stay facing the counter if you want to avoid the riff-raff.

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