124 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4BH
Harden's survey result
Summary
“Sally has triumphed in maintaining stands and a smile across the decades” and the “super-civilised institution” she opened in 1984, south of Notting Hill Gate, has shown rare staying power. That “there is always a really warm welcome” from the “effective and nurturing” staff goes down well, as does the way she has “maintained excellence with the finest seasonal produce perfectly cooked” (inspired by Alice Waters of Chez Panisse in California, her friend and mentor since the late 1970s). “Simple but elegant decor” and a strong wine list focused on North America complete a picture which still inspires practically zero criticism.
Summary
“Terrific ingredients, cleverly but unfussily combined” has long been the hallmark of Sally Clarke’s “impeccably run restaurant” in Notting Hill, which has been at the cutting edge of promoting seasonal, Californian-inspired cuisine since 1984. “It’s on the pricey side, but quality remains superb”; the setting is “romantic”; and the service, from a loyal and seemingly well-looked-after contingent of staff is “excellent, all overseen by Sally herself”. The “marvellous” wine list has an “unusual emphasis on North American wines” and some “reasonably priced alternatives to famous names”. Top Tip – “the good-value daily lunch set menu is a fantastic way to try this restaurant out”.
Summary
“Sally Clarke remains very present” at her “sophisticated” and “welcoming” Kensington HQ, which she established in 1984 at the bleeding edge of a trend to a more seasonal, ingredient-led style of dining that’s nowadays become an accepted norm. Consequently, for some fans, this has been “a ‘go-to’ for decades” owing to its “consistently superb cuisine”, creating dishes “with fantastic attention to detail” that “are imaginative without seeming ‘tricked up’”. The décor has always divided opinions here: “quite formal” for some tastes, but to others “romantic” and “perfect for a relaxed evening with grown-up conversation”. Ratings slipped a little this year across the board, though, as even those hailing it as “excellent” may note that “prices seem to have jumped here even more than most post-Covid”.
Summary
“Have never had a bad meal over the 30 years I have eaten here!”. “You feel spoilt and well treated” at Sally Clarke’s Kensington HQ, established in 1984 – she was a very early exponent of Californian-influenced cuisine in London, a formula she has stuck by ever since with “forever outstanding dishes from seasonal produce” (“fresh-tasting and beautifully prepared”). Opinions differ on the understated decor, which is “a bit cold” for some tastes, but “calm and relaxing to others”. In any case the “lovely and helpful” staff add further vim to the experience.
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 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
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £40.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £9.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 15.00% |
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
"A lovely experience "
"Lovely food, great service a lovely restaurant "
"A delight"
"Menu needs refreshing."
"Admittedly it was an early mel, but two tables of one parent plus four tweens and teens in hoodies, trainers, and tracksuit bottoms wasn't in keeping with the high standard of the food and service."
"Greta service in a lovely restaurant but the kitchen needs to improve, it’s stuck in a rut."
"Consistently good"
"Enjoyable but expensive"
124 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 4BH
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 |
