Harden's survey result
Summary
“Never failing to excel, even after years and years…” – Sally Clarke’s Kensington HQ (opened in 1984) is nowadays a “classic”; and even those who say “it’s a bit of a time warp nowadays”, concede that her California-inspired cuisine is nigh-on as “modern and fresh” as ever. “The moment you step in, often to be welcomed by Sally herself, you know you are in for a wonderful evening, with imaginative but unpretentious dishes that are impeccably prepared – with great ingredients that are allowed to stand out – while service is always professional and present-without-hovering”. The atmosphere here has always been slightly divisive: for a few “dull” or “formal”, but to most diners – “with its artwork, soothing colors, and low noise level to allow plenty of engaging conversation” – romantic and “always a delight”.
Summary
“Never failing to excel, even after years and years…” – Sally Clarke’s Kensington HQ (opened in 1984) is nowadays a “classic”; and even those who say “it’s a bit of a time warp nowadays”, concede that her California-inspired cuisine is nigh-on as “modern and fresh” as ever. “The moment you step in, often to be welcomed by Sally herself, you know you are in for a wonderful evening, with imaginative but unpretentious dishes that are impeccably prepared – with great ingredients that are allowed to stand out – while service is always professional and present-without-hovering”. The atmosphere here has always been slightly divisive: for a few “dull” or “formal”, but to most diners – “with its artwork, soothing colors, and low noise level to allow plenty of engaging conversation” – romantic and “always a delight”.
Summary
“There’s no messing around by chefs trying to be clever: just first class ingredients allowed to speak for themselves” alongside a “fabulous wine list” and “so-gracious” service at Sally Clarke’s California-inspired institution – a Kensington stalwart that “isn’t content to rest on its laurels”, and whose “fresh-flavoured dishes” are “some of the best seasonal food in London”. “The main room’s elegant decor makes it feel more like a private dining room than a restaurant and the tables are set far enough apart to allow for quiet conversation” making it a favourite for romance (of the silver-haired variety). “A warm welcome from Sally each and every visit sets the tone for a great evening” (“she must have some clones of herself, as she always seems to be around!”).
Summary
“Although a classic of the neighbourhood, it doesn’t rest on its laurels” and “how standards have stayed so high here over all these years is a testament to the omnipresent and charming Sally Clarke”. “Superb ingredients are cooked with a light touch”, in the Californian style that first inspired her, while “professional-without-hovering” service is “absolutely spot on”. “If you are under thirty, the only downside is that it can be full of ‘old timers’”.
For 31 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 Clarke’s?
Owner's description
Sally Clarke opened her doors in December 1984 offering daily changing menus, reflecting the best and freshest from the market. Still today, the lunch and dinner a la carte and set menus are constantly evolving throughout the week, with the changing of the seasons' produce.
Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every day except Sunday, our set menus are priced as follows: Lunch £ 27 For 2 or £ 33 For 3 courses. The 3 course Dinner menu is
£ 39
Set amongst the elegant streets of Kensington and just a stone's throw from the vibrant Notting Hill area, this gem of a restaurant has been attracting both locals and vistors to the city for decades. Tables are set with crisp white cloths, sparkling glassware and fresh flowers are everywhere.
A welcoming smile will greet you and professional yet friendly staff will serve you, and a world class wine list will be offered alongside our tempting menus.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £35.00 |  |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £20.00 | £40.00 | £9.50 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £18.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.50 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Sally Clarke, trained to be a chef in London and Paris before travelling to California where she gained further dining room and kitchen experience in Los Angeles. During her time in California she met Alice Waters, founder of the restaurant Chez Panisse in Berkeley, who became her daily inspiration and mentor.
In 1984 Sally opened Clarke's restaurant, and 5 years later her provisions shop next door to sell the baked goods from the restaurant kitchen. Her wholesale Bakery, based in North Kensington was born out of this, and more recently the Clarke's Production Kitchen was created to provide the ever increasing range of takeaway items available in her shop.
Michele Lombardi joined Clarke's in 2015 as Executive Head Chef, leading the team of talented young people. Originally from southern Italy, he trained in Florence before travelling to London to expand his culinary knowledge. Alberico Penati employed him at Harry's Bar in Mayfair, where he steadily rose up the ranks, eventually taking over the role of Head Chef himself. He has lived and worked in London for over 17 years.
Clarke’s Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Clarke’s can always be depended on for good food and good service. A starter of sweetbreads was perfectly cooked, and a breast of chicken likewise, accompanied by gratin dauphinoise and celeriac. I prefer the main dining room to the back room but the service was attentive and efficient."
"We were rather excited about coming here as strangely we have never been, but have wanted to visit for sometime. Admittedly I had good expectations. On arrival the room was very pleasant, as was the hostess. However, our starter was not as pleasant, in actual fact it was very disappointing to say the least. We all ordered a pasta dish with Crab, Chilli & Garlic... it was watery, lacking in crab, chilli or garlic and quite frankly was flavourless... it was also highly under seasoned. 2 of us ordered the Brill. which was nicely cooked but I made a special request for my vegetables not to be al dente has I had recently had dental surgery but unfortunately they arrived extremely al dente. A chicken dish was ordered by another who said that they enjoyed it. Desserts were okay. Wine was good. But for the price I want exceptionally good food with wonderful flavour... not semi decent food. This was a great disappointment to us and obviously we shall not be returning."
124 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4BH
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Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 12:30 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12:30 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12:30 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12:30 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12:30 pm‑2 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
