Maggie Jones's Restaurant — Restaurant in London

My husband, small dog and I met a friend for lunch here today. We had intended to go somewhere else, which sadly closed its doors recently so found this restaurant literally by putting "dog friendly restaurants" into google. Well, what a find! It is a small and cosy venue just off Kensington Church Street and it is the sort of place you would walk past if you did not know it was there. We were greeted in the most friendly and cheerful way and let to a very discreet table on the tiny ground floor of the restaurant. Apparently the building started off as part of the royal stables, and there is still evidence of horsiness around (thankfully not on the menu). The restaurant was a favourite haunt of Princess Margaret in her youth, who would escape from Kensington Palace and meet Anthony Armstrong-Jones there for romantic meals. The booth I sat in was apparently her favourite in the place because it was so discreet and nobody could oversee or overhear her. Now to the menu - how delightful it is. There is a set menu of two or three courses or you can eat a la carte. it is almost old fashioned in the choice of food and a throw back to the hearty meal, but absolutely beautifully cooked. I ordered Onion Soup and it took me right back to student days. It was absolutely delicious and a very generous portion. My main course was another starter, duck liver pate, which was also delicious whilst the other two diners chose grilled salmon with hollandaise sauce, served with new potatoes and a selection of yummy vegetables. All in all everyone was completely delighted with this find. The service was friendly but professional and the price was perfectly fine. This is the first of what I am sure will be many visits. I cannot get that onion soup out...

I really liked this place right from the moment I stepped through the door. The feeling is intimate, relaxed and welcoming and the menu is full of traditional, English farmhouse fare, served in what feels like a traditional farmhouse kitchen.

The space is not large but it's broken up with romantic, high backed wooden booths that offer the kind of welcome privacy that is not common in city restaurants these days. The primary source of lighting is candlelight and the ceiling is festooned with antique baskets and kitchenware. Shelves lining the walls are also filled with old nicknacks.

The staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming and helpful, giving off the impression that they wanted me to enjoy my visit just as much as I did.

First on offer were thick hunks of hearty, homemade bread and slabs of butter, alongside freshly sliced crudités in a light drizzle of tangy, creamy vinaigrette.

I ordered three courses this evening, starting with vegetable soup, which was hearty, thick and rich, full of flavour and tasting like it had just been made fresh.

Next up, an onion tart that was out of this world delicious and served with a small bed of watercress leaves which really helped balance the flavors.

For a main course I ordered the traditional farmhouse cottage pie. It came with a generous layer of mashed potato and extra grilled on top to give it a crispy, tasty top. As I cut the pie open a thick cloud of piping hot steam escaped, releasing a delicious aroma of marinated and slow cooked beef with strong hints of thyme. Inside it was rich and moist without being to juicy or watery. Overall, it was a humble cottage pie rendered to a level comfort-food perfection.

I have discovered my new favorite...

One of the worst restaurants I’ve ever eaten in. The staff are rude, slob about in trainers and look like they have just rolled out of bed. Not what you expect from a restaurant charging what they do! I had Sunday roast with family. The soup was cold. The roast dinner was appalling. They give extremely small portions. A bowl of carrots and cabbage. 2 slices of meat and a potato. The meat was covered in blood the plate was swimming in it. When I asked for it to be changed the staff reaction was highly inconvenient. The woman had the cheek to say to me if I came for Sunday lunch ever again to ask how I wanted the meat. I said perhaps they should ask the customer not take it upon themself to serve it rare. Most people I know eat roast beef on a roast dinner well done or at least reasonably done.. It is totally overpriced, cramped inside. They are trying to hold onto their old values and reputation which in my view has gone. We were offered free desert as they sensed I was unhappy, that was poor too. Cold custard on a strangely tasting apple pie. I would sort your kitchen staff out not to mention your prices and your waitresses! I did pay the 12.5% service charge but only for a quiet life! I will never go here again or recommend it. I base this review on my experience today but my partner and mother...