Gem of Notting Hill

Notting Hill Brasserie, as the name suggests, is a neighbourhood restaurant. It just happens to be a very good restaurant for this very good neighbourhood.

Yes, prices are high but then that’s Notting Hill for you. Besides, when a typical Thursday night can feature this much Prada AND a minor royal, you can probably justify it. You can also justify it when the food is this good and the service is this impeccable. From the amuse of a perfect single mouthful of seared tuna and onwards, NHB provides the sort of simple, exquisitely executed menu that proves the sense in starting with good ingredients and then not messing about with them.

Scallops, sautéed with herb gnocchi and shallots, and a rabbit and roasted pepper ballotine with prawn tortellini delivered unusual combinations to satisfying effect. Duck – roasted magret, onion puree, a warm salad of duck confit – was rich comfort food, while the beef, chateaubriand roasted in a salt crust, with hand made chips, spinach and béarnaise sauce, to be specific, was every bit as impeccable as it sounds. A finale of chocolate fondant comes with lavender ice cream to under cut the richness: a fitting end to an all round first rate experience.