Rabbit British Bistro — Restaurant in London

Rabbit: A Cozy Chelsea Gem Offering Seasonal British Flavors and Warm Neighborhood Charm

Located in the heart of Chelsea with a dual exposure—facing both an internal street and the well-known Kings Road—Rabbit exudes the charm of a local neighborhood eatery. Its intimate setting offers a unique vibe, blending the vibrant flavors of the English countryside with a cozy, laid-back atmosphere. The venue itself has a rustic appeal, where guests are invited to feel at home. Although the restaurant has a charming front room, the back room is particularly appealing, providing a more secluded and peaceful dining experience, perfect for those looking for a quieter ambiance away from the main entrance.

Menu & Cuisine Rabbit’s menu is compact yet thoughtfully curated, providing an array of options that balance variety with focus. The concept revolves around small to medium-sized plates, making it ideal for sharing, which encourages diners to sample multiple dishes. The menu’s standout feature is its celebration of British seasonal produce, with a strong emphasis on wild, foraged ingredients and sustainable farming. This commitment to sourcing fresh, local ingredients is further bolstered by the use of livestock and produce from the Gladwin family’s own farm and vineyard in West Sussex, adding a personal touch to the culinary experience.

During a recent lunch visit, we sampled a variety of dishes, and the quality of the food did not disappoint. The ingredients were fresh, and the flavors were well-balanced, reflecting the chefs' skill in combining locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. The ever-evolving nature of the menu ensures that there’s always something new and exciting for regular patrons.

Specials & Value Rabbit offers great value for its quality. Their weekday express lunch is particularly appealing for those seeking a quick yet delicious meal at an affordable price. Additionally, their Sunday Roast menu is a must-try, showcasing British classics in an elevated yet approachable manner. The prices are quite reasonable, especially considering the prime location and the quality of the food.

Atmosphere & Service The ambiance at Rabbit is lively yet intimate, making it a fantastic choice for a variety of occasions, from casual lunches to romantic dates. The service is another highlight—knowledgeable and attentive staff enhance the experience, providing recommendations and insights into the ever-changing menu. The atmosphere is electric yet relaxed, creating a space where diners can unwind while enjoying inspired, original cooking.

Conclusion Rabbit in Chelsea is a wonderful representation of what a neighborhood restaurant should be: inviting, unique, and full of character. With its fresh, seasonal menu and attentive service, it offers great value for both casual dining and special occasions. Whether you’re planning a date night or a friendly get-together, Rabbit provides a warm, welcoming environment paired with excellent food at an affordable price....

I recommend you take rabbit off the menu for the foreseeable future.

As I walked into the restaurant, I was greeted by a cheerful and golden-haired host, who welcomed not just me but also my faithful pup with open arms. He led us to a cozy table by the window, where I embarked on a solo culinary adventure.

My gastronomic dreams, however, hit a bump on the road to delight. The starter that had tantalized my taste buds from the menu had vanished into the abyss of unavailability. They had run out.

Alas, when the main dish finally made its appearance, the presentation left me puzzled. The veggies were swimming in a sauce that could only be described as a tragic accident in the kitchen. The fish, poor thing, had been subjected to a tormenting overcooking, leaving it flavourless. To add insult to injury, it arrived cold, as if it had been forgotten on the side. And just when you thought it couldn't get any more disappointing, the whole affair was generously adorned with caviar and roe, as if that would magically transform the entire execution into a refined gourmet dish. What a waste, the garnish gambit fell flatter than a fallen soufflé.

Summoning my inner food critic, I beckoned for the bill, and the same affable host noticed the untouched food, concern etched across his face. I waved off my disappointment but he was quick to return with a generous 10 percent discount, as though that would put out the culinary conflagration. It was done with such ease that I suspect it is a regular occurrence here.

I declined the discount, opting to pay the full fare. The truth is, in such culinary calamities, the chef should emerge from the kitchen, clad in humility, to extend an olive branch and apologise for their lack of culinary finesse. Or perhaps, the owner should step up and apologise for placing their trust in a chef who appears to still be learning to sauté. In all honesty, this meal was reminiscent of the sad, soggy school lunches I endured in my youth. Rabbit a place that once prided itself on redefining the culinary norm in Chealsea, appears to have run out of steam, much like a pressure cooker left unattended for too long.

The only pleasure I received from this experience was the fun I had writing...

A fantastic little restaurant serving amazing food. We opted for the set lunch 'farm to fork' menu which was excellent value for the quality of the food served; 2 courses for £24 or 3 courses for £28. Rabbit aims to provide locally sourced and seasonal produce so the menu changes quite often. There's also a tasting menu with optional wine pairings available in the evening, which is something I'd definitely be interested in returning to sample.

They have a nice cocktail list with some classics and a daily special. We thoroughly enjoyed sipping cocktails at our window seat, watching the world go by on the King's Road.

The restaurant also has a vineyard in Sussex and they have some really interesting wines at reasonable prices. I chose their Sussex Reserve white and really enjoyed it.

To start we had the optional extra of the mushroom Marmite eclair which was so delicious I'd be happy with a plate of them for lunch! If you're a fan of the (sadly discontinued) Truffle Marmite you'll absolutely love this eclair.

For our starters we had the lamb chip, a pulled lamb croquette, and the heirloom tomato salad (sounds plain but was very flavourful and just perfect on one of the hottest days of the year.)

Our mains were the rotisserie chicken, juicy with wonderful crispy skin, and the roasted fennel with lentils, also extremely tasty, with homemade hummus. We shared a simple green salad with a nice fresh dressing.

There's only one dessert choice, a rich chocolate mousse with a salted caramel sauce, again, like everything else, absolutely delicious.

The staff were friendly and efficient and made us feel very welcomed. The restaurant is homely and nicely decorated, the theme is definitely 'rabbit'... including rabbit-themed loos!

The total bill for two 3-course set menus plus side salad, 2 cocktails and 4 glasses of wine (and service charge) was £140.

I would definitely recommend a visit to Rabbit and will certainly be returning to try the...