From Kensal Rise to Notting Hill

Saturday, October 21st , 2023

Harvest is an unassuming pub in Kensal Rise, a younger sister to nearby Parlour. As with its older sibling, the food is altogether better and more interesting than you might expect. For one thing, they are able to take advantage of the fabulous smoked salmon that is produced on the roof of Parlour. If you are in this area then Harvest is well worth a look.

I also enjoyed Empire Empire, a new Indian restaurant in Notting Hill that has produced some very good dishes including proper biryani and a particularly impressive bhindi. London really is in a golden age of Indian restaurants at the moment. When I first moved to London there was The Bombay Brasserie for fine dining and otherwise you mostly had to choose between Westbourne Grove and the basic pleasures of the places on Brick Lane. These days there is a plentiful supply of very good Indian food to be had, whether at posh places in Mayfair or in the suburbs.