Among the gardens of Kensington Palace lies The Orangery, the restaurant partnership with the Company of Cooks has reopened with a summer menu after extensive restoration. With a rich history dating back to the 18th century, it serves elegant lunch and afternoon tea menus inspired by the opulence of Queen Anne’s greenhouse and Queen Victoria’s favourite dishes.
Built in 1705 for Queen Mary’s younger sister, future Queen Anne, it was long used for entertaining. Design studio StudioKKD brought the space to life using a warm, textured, sophisticated material palette that compliments the royal historic architecture, along with touches like the Verdure Tapestry wallpaper by Cole & Son, inspired by a 17th-century tapestry and a velvet fabric design by GP & J Baker, inspired by the royal gardens of Historic Royal Palaces.
Walking up to the light-drenched building you’d be forgiven for pretending you were heading to a Bridgerton ball. The space is stunning; with white marble tables, welcoming velvet tub chairs, art deco-esque lighting and regal statues throughout. The new lunch menu is a suitably summery spread of modern, seasonal British dishes with fresh ingredients sourced from around the UK.
Food & Drink at The Orangery
We dined on a stunning plate of Wye Valley asparagus, freshened with a zing of pink grapefruit and pomegranate. Rich heirloom tomatoes accompanied a creamy burrata, finished with a delicate drizzle of basil oil and slices of a hearty focaccia.
While The Palace Pie caught the eye – with its braised lamb shoulder and beef rib with Somerset cheddar mash – given it was actually a sunny day an altogether more seasonal main was called for (though, to note, we will be returning for the pie…). In its place a delightful fillet of chalk stream trout, with cauliflower cream, samphire, mussels and lemon thyme dressing, a cacophony of summer flavour and a beautifully vibrant plate that was almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Somehow managing to eschew the British seasonal cheese plate, we plumped for a classic lemon tart with blueberries and fresh cream for dessert, accompanied by a glass of Ridgeview Fitzrovia Sparkling Rosé, a delightful summer tipple.
With an indulgent Royal Afternoon Tea serving treats including lavender éclairs, traditional scones served with Cornish clotted cream and blackcurrant preserve and pea, broad bean and tarragon quiche, while young guests can also enjoy a children’s version.
We’re booking now for a return visit to sample that pie…
The Orangery Restaurant
Kensington Palace Gardens
London
W8 4PX
United Kingdom
