The Kitchen@London House — Restaurant in England

I visited this restaurant back in 2022 for breakfast and had a lovely experience — great atmosphere, relaxing vibe, and delicious food. Unfortunately, my most recent visit was quite the opposite and left us disappointed.

I called ahead to book a table for four adults and a toddler. When we arrived, we were greeted by a rushed and rather brusque staff member who simply pointed at the table and walked off without a word — not exactly a warm welcome. When I confirmed we needed a high chair (which was already noted on the booking), he brought one with an unusually large footprint. I had deliberately chosen a spot that wouldn’t be in the way, but he loudly grumbled that I’d chosen the “worst place possible,” which felt unnecessary and rude. I explained it was the best spot for my son’s - for safety and comfort.

The menu was limited and had no children’s options, so we ordered an adult dish for my toddler — something we often do and usually works well. He wasn’t feeling his best and didn’t eat much, but the waiter felt the need to repeatedly point out the portion size and even suggested we go next door for a sandwich instead. While perhaps meant as helpful, it came off as intrusive and patronising — especially after I made it clear I was fine with the choice.

As for the food, the crab ravioli was delicious, but the lamb risotto was unfortunately bland and underwhelming.

Overall, what should have been a pleasant meal felt rushed and uncomfortable due to the dismissive service. A real shame considering how much I enjoyed it...

We had been wanting to come here for some time & we decided that today was the day, and boy, we were not disappointed!

It was my myself, my wife & my Mum, it was around 13:00, there were a few people inside but not many.

Having read the menu posted in the window my Mum wasn’t sure at first, my wife loves her fish so she was good to go, I had limited choices, but I was fine, others might struggle though, it’s geared very much towards fish.

We went inside, it’s a very bright & airy place with wooden tables and chairs, very comfy though, green & beige paint is on the walls & the theme is definitely Italian.

My wife & I had a large glass of white wine each, don’t ask for French wine, they don’t offer it, Italian only, my Mum had a large glass of Pimm’s which she loved, the wine was good too.

We ordered From an albeit somewhat limited selection of menu options, thankfully breakfast is available all day, so I had that, my wife had the crab ravioli & my Mum the catch of the day which was pan fried Hake with dauphinoise potatoes.

My wife was in heaven & said it was one of the best things she’s eaten in a long time, she can’t wait to go back! My Mum loved her pan fried Hake, and my breakfast was very good as well.

The front of house guy was great, entertaining, funny, a very good host indeed!

Even though it looked good, we didn’t stop for coffee & cake.

We’ll definitely be making a trip back here, my wife will make sure...

I have been vegan for over 22 years. I am APPALLED at how some people, supposedly vegan, have chosen to behave.

The cornerstone of being vegan is building a life around compassion and kindness for ALL sentient creatures, INCLUDING the bistro/bakery operators whose menu choices may not mesh with everyone’s perspective. Veganism is NOT about being pedantically and dogmatically “right”; it’s about being effective. Obnoxious is NOT effective. Rude is NOT effective. “Holier than thou” is NOT effective. Cancel culture (the collective online equivalent of a childish temper tantrum) is NOT effective.

What IS effective? For a true vegan, compassion and kindness, with respect and courtesy, can go a long way.

To the bistro owners/operators, if I am ever in your neighborhood, I would like to stop by for a chat. I may not be able to order anything from your menu, but I would like to support you and hopefully show you that some vegans do actually have their heads screwed on straight. Peace...