Harden's survey result
Summary
If Hollywood was going to film a cutesome Kensington scene, it might well choose the picturesque sidestreet location of this “ideally romantic” townhouse, where it’s “always a pleasure to have a meal”; and which, under various owners, “has been satisfying diners for a few decades now”. The “quiet and cosy” interior is “conducive to conversation” and sets the scene for Ben Murphy’s “classy” modern European cuisine from an “impressive menu that’s excellently presented”. At least, it did before August 2024, when Murphy resigned – presumably demoralised by Michelin’s stoic (pig-headed?) refusal to recognise this place with a star despite it being so clearly merited. His final services are in October 2024, and given the uncertainty surrounding this D&D London venue we’ve removed its excellent ratings for the time being. At dinner choose a three-course à la carte for £75 per person, or a seven-course tasting option for £105 per person. Top Tip – lunch is a relatively cheap £42 per person for three courses.
Summary
“Tucked away from the hustle and bustle”, in the kind of ultra-picturesque Kensington backwater where one imagines Mary Poppins floating about on her umbrella – this “quirky” converted town-house provides a “special”, “understated but comfortable setting” and “always impeccable personal service with attention to detail”: it’s “ideal for a romantic evening”. “You might not expect much of the cooking as it’s part of the D&D London Group – but you’d be wrong!” – Ben Murphy has been at the stoves since 2017 and his “refined and interesting” cuisine goes from strength to strength: “food that just makes you smile about how it looks and how it tastes”. Top Tip – “good value at lunch”.
Summary
“A special place to dine in stylish and intimate rooms” – this “quirkily laid-out” townhouse (est. 1986) in a quiet Kensington backstreet “exudes gracious hospitality” and “never fails to delight”, particularly as a “romantic” destination. Chef Ben Murphy joined in January 2017 and why Michelin have failed to award him a star is anyone’s guess: his cuisine “is delicious with subtle flavour combinations and artistically presented plates” that all make up for a “memorable” occasion. (You would never know it was owned by D&D London – it stands head and shoulders over the rest of their portfolio nowadays.)
Summary
“Discreet and off the beaten track” – this supremely “cosy and classy neighbourhood restaurant” is “tucked away in an attractive street in Kensington and well worth a visit”. “Ben Murphy’s cuisine is fun and playful”, providing “absolutely sensational” dishes that are “packed with flavour”. In the last year he has rightly been elevated to being chef/patron here and – in terms of quality, if not perhaps fame – this is “definitely the jewel in the crown of the D&D empire”.
For 34 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 Launceston Place?
1a Launceston Place, London, W8 5RL
Restaurant details
Launceston Place Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Very sadly closing down at the end of October 2024"
"A hidden gem in London. Excellent tasting menu. Food is fun and innovative. Every dish was flawless."
"A charming restaurant, excellent lunch, great service"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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| Lunch | £42.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £75.00 | |
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| Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £35.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
| Extras |
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| Service | 15.00% |
1a Launceston Place, London, W8 5RL
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | CLOSED |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
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