The AbingdonLondon | United Kingdom
- added: May 12 2010
- author: foodsketches
- comments: 0
One of the most recent trends in London has been to reinvigorate the gastronomical experience at the pubs. This brought a whole wave of improvements and creativity in to the pubs’ kitchens. As the result many were able to carry the title of “gastro pubs” and Abingdon is a brilliant illustration of such a transformation. It is a local gastro pub in Kensington which always has a buzz no matter when you come: for lunch or for dinner.
The place has a nice wine bar that serves certain dishes from the main menu of the restaurant and a restaurant itself. The atmosphere is very warm and welcoming; at dinner time the place has many candles lit up; dimmed lights and irresistible aromas coming from the kitchen. Abingdon is always fully booked and a huge hit among the locals. Its menu is seasonal and is always presented on one list; some signature dishes tend to stay on the menu throughout the entire year. One of the signature starters, for example, is the chicken liver & fois gras parfait served with warm brioche. The texture is so silky that you can hardly resist such a temptation and almost always – give in... Main courses would primarily be seasonal and have a good selection of seafood; meat; poultry & vegetable dishes. Our all time favourite is partridge with chestnut puree (served during the autumn) and teriyaki yellow fin tuna with wok-tossed greens & wasabi butter. As you can see the kitchen produces a good mix of Mediterranean/French cuisine with some Asian twists in it. Desert is certainly worth considering: sticky toffee pudding; lavender crème brûlée or raspberry sorbet... The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly which certainly creates a wonderful atmosphere. Good quality has always been a reputation of this place. A true local jewel ; so hope to see you in this neighbourhood soon!
