Harden's survey result
Summary
“A favourite stylish, civilised option” that’s surprisingly affordable for somewhere so close to South Kensington’s museums and the Royal Albert Hall – this stunning, “romantic” chamber in an émigrés club (founded in 1940) can still seem like “something of a hidden gem” although it has been extremely well-discovered for decades now (more so since Jan Woroniecki took over its management in 2015) and is “always busy and buzzing”. There’s “a characterful bar for aperitifs of all descriptions” and “a table outside on a summer’s day is perfect” when they open a huge rear terrace adjacent to Prince’s Gardens at the back. On the menu: “hearty and original Polish fare” that will not win prizes for finesse, but will for value, alongside “a brilliant selection of vodkas” and other tipples.
Summary
This “opulent, high-ceilinged dining room” within a Polish émigré club in South Kensington (“a stone’s throw from the Royal Albert Hall”) provides a “truly elegant” backdrop for a meal. “Inviting and cosmopolitan in atmosphere”, it is “unusually, equally good in summer and winter” thanks to its “delightful” covered rear outside terrace, which provides “a memorable location on a warm day”. “Delicious” Polish fodder comes in “hearty” portions and “without any grand prices despite the grand setting”; there’s a wide range of affordable central and eastern European wines; and “the cocktails and vodkas are well worth a shout out”.
Summary
“The magnificent interior of the entrance hall and dining room” of this characterful Polish émigré club in South Kensington (near the museums and Royal Albert Hall) creates a “lovely and airy” ambience boosted by its “warm and friendly” staff. And in recent years it has also added “a fabulous all-weather terrace” with “a marquee in the attractive garden” at the rear, where the atmosphere can be “incredible”. The solid Polish fare is “good if not fantastic” but keenly priced and accompanied by a wide drinks list, including “fab homemade flavoured vodkas”. Top Tip – support Ukraine by buying a ‘Zelenskyy’ – “a special (delicious) cocktail in the national colours”.
Summary
“Stylish, high-ceilinged and opulent” – the marvellous period dining room of the Polish Hearth Club (an émigré haunt in South Kensington) serves “well-cooked Polish specialities” alongside a selection of “extraordinary vodka”, all overseen by Jan Woroniecki. It’s just “a stone’s throw from the Royal Albert Hall” and the museums, “so perfect for a relaxing meal in sumptuous surroundings” during cultural outings, all at a very surprisingly reasonable price. The “peaceful terrace” is particularly recommended in this bit of town – and is now covered and heated in chilly weather.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Ognisko Restaurant?
55 Prince's Gate, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2PG
Restaurant details
Ognisko Restaurant Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Beware the dangerously compelling vodka menu. Everything is rather wonderful in this Polish 'country house', except the difficulty that most Polish food is pretty rum. Nevertheless, they polish it up well and make you forgive it for being stodgy peasant food."
"Great variety of food on offer, not just Polish, but does have many Polish specialties . The wine list also offers many great wines at affordable prices"
"A great place to spend a Friday evening. Ognisko was packed- inside and outside. It’s no wonder- interesting cocktails, good food and imaginative wine list. Yes it’s noisy and service can be slow, but it is fun. "
"Lovely room and setting"
"lovely room, handsome staff, decent wine list, excellent vodka and cocktail options. Sea Bream in sorrel sauce was exceptional, pierogi very generous and tasty. A favourite stylish civilised option."
"An interesting choice of dishes on a lively Thursday lunchtime."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £24.00 | £28.00 |  |
|
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £11.50 | £20.50 | £8.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £27.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.70 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
55 Prince's Gate, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2PG
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑10:30 pm |
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