Kensington Mums reviews
A Modern Public House Swings Open Its Doors in Kensington
Publiq opened in Spring 2021, it is a modern take on the typical traditional British cuisine. Their name, Publiq, which in French means Public , is a Public House located in the bustling Kensington area right off Kensington High Street and very close to Hyde Park.
Offering a refined yet relaxing and delicious dining experience with a great wine list, local beers and original seasonal cocktails, this is a place to enjoy with friends, the perfect spot for a date or a family meal. Come over to Publiq and share some of their dishes with your friends and family. Publiq changes their menu often as they are committed to working with independent local quality-led producers who are dedicated to regenerative farming as well as organic and seasonal ingredients.
The team behind Publiq brings its experience from Tayēr + Elementary, George Mayfair, Pollen Street Social, Scarfes Bar, NOLA and Duck & Waffle. The Head Chef is Emilian Craciun, who previously worked at the George Mayfair and Ham Yard Hotels, changes the menu as regularly as the seasonal produce.
Publiq is all about seasonality and sustainability and supporting local business – so Kensington Mums would like you to support them too and you will be deliciously surprised as we were! They do takeaway cocktails and alcoholic slushies.
The Decor
The restaurant’s decor, designed by CO:DE Studios, features old school sophistication and modern designs with ratan furnishings. It is simple, yet elegant, and offers indoor and al fresco dining. They can also cater to a private gathering as they have a secluded section that can be hired for a private event.
The Kensington Mums Experience
Upon our arrival and were greeted by the lovely owners Charles Montanaro and Greg Almeida. Immediately, Greg accommodated us to a table outside and made it possible, for us, to park our pram where our son was having a nap.
We were pleasantly surprised to know that Greg is who takes care of you and he thoroughly explained all the items on the menu and Publiq’s ethos overall. Greg does this with such passion and is such a good storyteller that even before trying their delicacies you have already embarked on this culinary journey listening to his story and their cuisine. How they change the menu as they only use local sustainable produce and only implement what is in season. This guarantees you the utmost freshness in their delicious plates.
We couldn’t resist trying their cocktails, they are super original and delicious. Their selections include Beetroot and Rosehip Highball with Belvedere vodka, beetroot, sweet vermouth and Yonder rosehip saison, I am not a fan of beetroot so my husband ordered this one and I tried it and must admit it was super refreshing and very nice. I ordered the Lemongrass and Cacao Gimlet with Audemus Umami Gin, lemongrass, cacao, flat parsley and bianco vermouth, loved it, delicious, and the perfect drink for a summer afternoon. Highly recommend having a cocktail and trying their amazing combinations that are simply unique.
Then we were pleased that Greg recommended and explained that it is advised to have around 4-5 plates per person from their “Plates” section unless we go with the “Big Piece” section. We started with the beef brisket croquettes & truffle mayo; as soon as you bite into this little ball you can start enjoying the tasty beef brisket inside which is beautifully paired with the truffled mayo dollop each croquette comes with. We also tasted the Cull yaw mutton skewer with wild garlic mayo from the “Snack” section. Greg explained to us that it is the older sheep so the meat is very tender and indeed it is and the wild garlic mayo is out of this world.
From the “Plates” section we had the Asparagus & Courgettes tempura with soy mayo and shizo they are deliciously crispy and seasoned divinely, we also had the chicken with mole that comes served in 3 distinctive sections and you need to mix them all up. You read well, this is the Mexican Mole style with a perfect kick of spiciness, which is not overpowering the rest of the flavours.
We also had, and highly recommend, the wild sautĂ©ed mushrooms, you’re served Paris, King Oyster, Hen of the Woods and Morelles mushrooms in an amazing sauce with drenched croutons and Pecorino Romano shavings – I simply adored this one! We had the Stone Bass which is pan fried with Isle of Wight tomatoes, wild garlic, bone marrow and chicken jus really fresh and cooked to perfection so it simply melts in your mouth. Their Sea bream ceviche with daikon, red chilli with blood orange and ponzu with crispy nori, is a real explosion of flavours with a tangy sweetness that comes from the blood orange. By now, we were more than satisfied and about to enter a food coma and so we were not able to try their “Big Piece ” section that rotates regularly and includes a cut of meat and some sustainably caught fish. But I can honestly say all we had was a must try as each plate has a delicious flavor that is perfectly blended with fresh seasonal produce coming together to create a divine dish.
The perfect way to close this culinary experience was trying out the chocolate tart that is made by a local friend that clearly puts her heart into it. It has the perfect amount of sweetness enhanced by the lovely buttery crust. Plus a dollop of lemon curd – simply the best!
You must visit this gem of a restaurant, everything is delicious and you’re taken care of by Greg and Charles, who both are the most friendly and passionate people I have met in the food industry!
Well done Greg and Charles!
Address:
1d Palace Gate | South Kensington | London | W8 5LS
Website & Booking
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday | 16.00 – 00.00
Saturday | 12.00 – 00.00
Sunday | 12.00 – 23.00
