Bayswater, British, Modern Restaurant Guide

Over the last 14 years feedback on the Gladwin Bros’ pint-sized operation – the original London branch of their five-strong shabby-chic, field-to-fork group – has dwindled, although such as we have remains positive. It’s a situation eerily reminiscent of the trajectory of its predecessor on this cute, small site near Notting Hill Gate which traded as ‘The Ark’ for decades, but which often ‘flew under the radar’. On the menu, an eclectic assortment of dishes using wild, foraged and locally grown produce.

“God, it’s wonderful to have Jeremy King back in action”, sigh the many fans of this year-old, Manhattan-inspired haunt at the top of Queensway, across the road from Kensington Gardens: “an American-style grand cafe” where, they say, “you can breath easy with its pale wood, smooth surfaces – all the tables are good – and booths abound”. Many of our reporters have followed Jeremy for decades, through the rise of Corbin & King… boardroom battles over The Wolseley… his sudden departure from the group… and now his triumphant comeback (alongside The Arlington, and Simpsons on the Strand, see also). Once again they feel at home in this “luscious location”, socialising with the smart crowd (but also quite a lot of tourists) over “US-tinged food that can be anything from a hot dog to a three course blow-out”: simple, but tempting fare that “like the great man himself is well cut, well-suited and comfortable”. Long-term followers know better than to expect culinary pyrotechnics – it’s not King’s style – “a bit formulaic but very pleasant” is what to hope for, alongside an acceptance that it may be “no more than average” (and “if you order what you really want – rather than merely what you can afford – the bill can be a shocker”). Servicewise – “The Park is still in the ‘learning’ phase”, but for the most part hitting the “welcoming and highly professional service” that’s his hallmark, and from the get-go it’s been “a top venue in an area of London that lacks any good eateries”.

Following the billion-pound rebirth of Bayswater’s landmark Whiteley building, a spacious live-fire restaurant open in autumn 2025 from chefs Hari Shetty (ex-Nobu) and Ori Geller (ex-Mr Porter), featuring an open kitchen, circular cocktail bar and outdoor terrace. The original Nela opened in Amsterdam four years ago, and has spawned a summer pop-up in Ibiza.

“Lunch and pub dining with a special atmosphere” is the promise of this early Victorian pub behind Lancaster Gate tube, which claims Winston Churchill and Tony Blair among its visitors over the years. “Only English food and wine” are served as far as possible (lemons are imported from Gibraltar, which almost counts) – although that means the wine prices are “quite steep”. “Beers are excellent”, though, and the food is “great value” – most notably a 2-course set lunch for under £15.

2023 Review: Regular DJs feature on the entertainment programme at this May 2022 newcomer in Bayswater (which opened too late for feedback in our annual diners’ poll). Extensive wood panelling is the most eye-catching feature of the cosy interior, while the short dinner menu (earlier in the day there’s one dedicated to brunch) looks more aimed at good-value sustenance than foodie fireworks.

“Made over several times, now in good hands with a restaurant-level menu executed well” – this smart Victorian tavern on the Bayswater/Notting Hill borders is part of the Cubitt House group, who sunk a packet into its renovation a couple of years ago. With its raw bar, oysters, seasonal salads and grills, it’s the perfect pub for folks who aren’t that mad about pubs.