West London’s newest gastronomic hotspot, SW7, is located in the heart of Kensington, London. SW7 offers a brasserie & bar style dining experience, in a sophisticated and composed environment. SW7 showcases the best of British cuisine and an elegant cocktail bar housed within the prestige Meliá Hotel London Kensington.
With capacity to seat 74 diners, SW7 is open at all times of the day whether for a full breakfast, elaborate brunch, a quick work lunch, a traditional Sunday roast lunch or a refined dinner.
The contemporary interiors draw inspiration from the nearby V&A Museum, specifically the William Morris wallpaper designs. The textile designer Morris, was strongly influenced by the natural surroundings of the English countryside. Within the menu there is also evidence of famous designer's admiration for blending elements from other cultures with the English style. The feature bar serves a range of signature cocktails inspired by William Morris textile designs, including the two drinks my sister and I enjoyed; the fresh ‘Kensington Gardens’ with Hendrick’s gin, elderflower liqueur and apple juice and the warming ‘Honeysuckle’ mixing bourbon, maple syrup and cinnamon. The bar serves a comprehensive range of spirits, wine, champagne and soft drinks, something for all.
I was invited to dine at SW7 during the launch and had the privilege of meeting the Head Chef Javier Rodrigo Alviz and tasting the Chef's creations.
The Head Chef began his career in Madrid, before coming to London in 2014 to work in some of the city’s most iconic hotel restaurants, including the Waldorf Hilton and Claridge’s. A desire to learn the latest culinary techniques and experimental British recipes later led Javier to join Adam Handling’s team at Frog restaurant in Covent Garden. From here he took up the reins at Melia White House last year, before coming to SW7 where he has fused fresh Mediterranean flavours with classic British cuisine.
The chef surprised us with an asparagus Amuse-Bouche to kick start our culinary experience at SW7. In continuation starters included Burrata with Marzanino tomatoes, Kalamata olives, pine nuts and basil, Rock oyster with Samphire and Calamari with Ali-oli. We were not only impressed by the creative combinations and flavour but also by the gorgeous presentation on the plates.
The main courses at SW7 dance around Europe, including traditional fish and chips; grilled chicken Paillard with aged parmesan, truffles and shiitake mushrooms; herb & pine nut crusted lamb rack with dauphinoise potatoes; wild sea bass with confit fennel and miso glaze and an Italian Blues burger with gorgonzola and figs.
My sister and I were recommended the Lamb Rack with Herbs & pine nuts crust, dauphinoise potatoes, spinach, baby carrots and port reduction and the 7oz Beef Fillet with Portobello mushroom, triple cooked chips, shallot rings served with peppercorn sauce. Two words to describe the mains would be sophisticated and comfort.
The dessert selection is equally pan-European, with crème brûlée, pistachio macaron delight and coconut Panna cotta showcased alongside British favourites Eton mess and banoffee pie.
To play tribute to the British Cuisine we opted for the Eton Mess served with Raspberry sorbet, meringue, strawberries and the Banoffee Pie with Vanilla ice cream, and crushed biscuits. Both desserts were playful in flavour and presentation, a perfect end to a wonderful meal. The head Chef beaming with passion presented us with a sweet surprise, a new creation that resembled Churro balls with pistachio and chocolate shavings to die for.
Whether it is a business lunch or a romantic evening for two, SW7 is up for the challenge and aspires to impress the local neighbourhood of Kensington and the city as a whole. Discover a fascinating fusion of British and Mediterranean cuisine and an eclectic selection of signature cocktails inspired by art and created by the dedicated team; ensuring an unforgettable experience every time!
Instagram: @SW7restaurant , OpenTable: SW7
Bookings can be made clicking here or by calling on 0808 234 1953.
A special thank you to SW7 and Luxuria Lifestyle for arranging a feast!
CONTACT DETAILS
A: 61 Gloucester Road London, England SW7 4PE
T: 0808 234 1953
Awesome post! Keep up the great work! 🙂
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