124 Kensington Church Street,
London,
W8 4BH
0871 971 6411
The ViewLondon Review
General Price Guide: Moderate – Expensive.
Location and Punters:
This small, unobtrusive Kensington Church Street eaterie is the inspiration of Sally Clarke who moved to London several years ago. She brought with her a great talent for creating quality West Coast cuisine. Clarke’s has been going strong for more than a decade and is ever popular with those in search of good Californian-style cooking. The nearest tube station is Notting Hill Gate.
Atmosphere and Décor:
The restaurant area is small and intimate. Perhaps it is a little too fussy on detail, but the overall ambience is cosy and welcoming. Service is excellent and diners really feel as if they are being treated as individuals.
Nosh and Drinks:
The cuisine is first class, professional and prepared to exacting standards. It has been claimed that Sally Clarke was one of the first to introduce quality, Californian-style cooking to the London restaurant scene.
The emphasis is on fresh produce and light, delicate presentation. The menu is limited but thoughtfully compiled. Main courses to be savoured might include such delights as Roasted Pigeon with Watercress, Blood Orange and Black Truffle Dressing, or Char-grilled Turbot with Chilli and Roasted Garlic Mayonnaise.
The menu changes daily, but beware – there is no choice for dinner – not ideal if you have strong foodie preferences! An average lunch costs around £30; a set dinner consisting of four courses, between £37 and £43. The wine list is selective but good.
The Experience:
The food is faultless and prepared with precision. Standards are consistently high, so it is very unlikely that you will encounter an "off day". Such a thing does not seem to exist at Clarke’s, which is, altogether, a very reassuring thought.
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