Core

Core by Clare Smyth (update), London, 1/23/25

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exterior – 92 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2PN, United Kingdom

Core was last visited by Frankie in 2018, just nine months after they opened.  They have made some changes to the interior, especially the bar, since that time and won a 3 Michelin star rating in 2021 as well as numerous other awards.  Some of the staff, including Chef Jonny Bone and Restaurant Director Rob Rose, are still there which maintains the excellent level of food and service you receive there.  They offer a selection of tasting menus with some supplements and wine pairings available.  It’s a bright and airy room which is now adorned with a hand-sewn copper thread on the painted walls that matches what is on the menu and the signage.  The unclothed round tables are well-spaced on a wood floor with round rugs and some curved bench seating.  Two doorways look out to the large kitchen and the chef’s table directly in front of it.  Some cabinets with books and objects are in the periphery and now a large serving table is next to the support column.  The changes in the dining room are subtle yet elegant while the bar, Whiskey & Seaweed has seen more substantial re-decorating.  It is a lovely space with tremendous food and excellent service – definitely go if you can. Continue reading →

Core, London, 4/27/18

~ hsnixon ~ 2 Comments
building
building

CORE by Clare Smyth is a medium sized restaurant that has been open since last August (about 9 months).  The casual but elegant feel of the place is enhanced by well spaced tables, some of which sit on carpet rounds that help absorb sound.  In addition the ceiling is in different heights with more sound absorbing material and thus conversation is easy.  The bare wood tables were set with lovely cloth napkins decorated with a tiny bouquet of flowers.  There were two larger round booth seats on one wall but most of the tables have their own comfortable chairs.  Another wall had some windows to the street, so in the daytime there was lots of natural light.  You enter into the well stocked bar area where there is more seating and walk by the glass walled kitchen on the way to the dining room.  No music was in the background but some art was on the walls as well as some bookcases with interesting objects and books.   Continue reading →