The Residency - Notting Hill, London

  Notting Hill is definitely having a moment. Since life began to get back to some form of normality, it's been magnetising restaurateurs and Londoners at large with its sceney streets and laidback vibes. One of the newest venues to set up shop in W2 is The Residency, an all-day venture which runs a brunch service up until 5pm with an upbeat dinner experience going late night. They've partnered with AAA, an agency of artists run by talent, to grow their musical roster and keep their evening offering on point. 

The design in the residency is edgy without being overly imposing - a laidback boite perfect for west London revellers. Largely dark, moody and sumptuous with floor-to-ceiling wooden panelling, velvet upholstery and a combination of wood and tiled flooring, The Residency also boasts artwork curated by India Rose James of the Soho Revue Gallery, with an engaging array of works from the likes of Nettie Wakefield, Lily Lewis, Niamh Birch and Hannah Nijsten. 

Head chef Carniel Francis rattles the pans and does a fine job of it, with a key focus on vegan and vegetarian dishes. A starter of creamy burrata was given a complement of cherry tomato marmalade and basil cream, while a Caesar salad was impressively executed with baby spinach and cherry tomatoes. A main of pan-seared sea bream found a great supporting act with parsley new potatoes, grilled baby gems and truffle butter. Finally, a chocolate surprise sent us off nicely, topped with a triple chocolate ganache with caramel sauce.