Launceston Place

After D&D London acquired Launceston Place, it was re-launched in March 2008 and has once again become the hub of good eating in Kensington. The influences of head chef Tristan Welch, who moved in from the two Michelin starred Petrus, are evident in the menu which now offers modern British food in a delightfully contemporary setting.

Fresh and seasonal ingredients come together to create numerous classics and old favourites with a touch of the new, so at lunchtime expect to see dishes such as baked scallop, potatoes and spring onions or slow poached duck egg on toast with black truffle. The main courses could include braised beef chop with Isle of Wight tomatoes and basil or fish fingers, waffles and minted peas. To finish, there's an apple tart with homemade clotted cream or Eton mess with English strawberries.

As evening approaches, the meal could become an elaborate affair, with dishes such as devilled crab and potted shrimp with wild herbs or drunken quail flambé with hazelnut highlighting the starters. The champagne poached salmon with spring vegetable salad is mild but attractive in its tasteful simplicity, and the rose veal, sweetbreads, nettles and pickled mushrooms is another excellent choice for the main course. Dishes are presented with a theatrical flair that is pleasing as well as invigorating.

To finish, there's a range of delectable puddings such as rhubarb cheesecake with yoghurt and honeycomb or lavender cream with violets and raspberry and for those who cannot resist anything with chocolate in it, the dark truffle with hazelnuts and walnuts is nothing short of bliss. The wine list brings together a wonderful selection of Old World classics and New World favourites along with some of finest champagnes, spirits and liqueurs.

In addition to its 60 seat restaurant, Launceston Place boasts a semi private room, 'the chef's office', where tables of up to ten are invited to dine overseeing the activities of the kitchen via a plasma screen. In addition Tristan is on hand to create a bespoke seven course menu for the diners as well as answer any questions they may have.

However, you don't need to take our word for it as there is a lot of information on their Website including details of the menu, wine list and holding private parties there.