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A la Colthard/ Kitchen W8

I was invited to this restaurant off Kensington High Street.

It was my first time and was impressed.

I like a set weekday menu which is affordable and sensible as the restaurant was not full.

From it I choose a cold pea and courgette soup and sea bream and almond tart.

All very delicious.

The service was professional and friendly without being intrusive or over familiar; the seating was comfortable.

My only gripe – and I cannot hold Kitchen 8 responsible – was a loud-mouthed gentleman holding forth on an adjoining table. He mentioned one person I knew. I’m always amazed how indiscreet a diner can be.

All in all an excellent gastronomic experience and, with one glass of wine each, my friend would have had change from £100.

In my lifetime the status of lunch has changed enormously.

Once it was where deals were done, women seduced, the chaps met, but times have changed.

You do the gym – if at all – or have a water and healthy option at your computer. I think this detracts from life.

Ad people normally have an alcoholic lunch every day, city traders don’t. Annabel’s have opened at lunch time but it was a mainly rich overseas clientele.

I yearn for Langan’s in the 70s, the Ivy in the 80s where things happened for a gel like me!!!

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About Daphne Colthard

After graduating at RADA but finding no roles Daphne went into magazine journalism with Good Housekeeping. Widely recognised as one of the country's leading restaurant and hotel reviewers, particularly by herself, Daphne is the author of "Bedded and Breakfasted", a light hearted chick novel and Grand Hotels DC: the Daffers Dictionary. Daphne lives in West London and is married to an investment banker Oliver. They have 2 boys Humphrey and Tarquin. More Posts