High Street Kensington’s restaurant, afternoon tea and late-night scene is a hot bed of new additions and accolades this summer that you just don’t want to miss. Already one of the best spots in the city, these make it an even better spot to head when the sun is shining.
The Milestone Hotel serves up some Wimbledon Winners
This summer, The Milestone Hotel & Residences in Kensington is serving up an unforgettable Wimbledon season with a special afternoon tea and exclusive short-break package.
Available from June 30 to July 13 in the Park Lounge or Cheneston’s Restaurant, the Wimbledon Afternoon Tea will pay homage to the iconic tennis tournament, combining seasonal flavours with charming nods to the sport. Served daily from 1-5pm and priced from £85pp it includes delicate finger sandwiches, warm freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream and homemade preserves, and a selection of pastries including éclairs, tartlets, cupcakes and macarons, plus an extensive selection of loose-leaf tea and the option of Champagne. Children’s and vegetarian options are available.
For those looking to extend their stay, the hotel’s exclusive Wimbledon Experience package includes a two-nights in a Superior Queen Room, full English breakfast, welcome cocktails and a Wimbledon-themed turndown service. Guests will enjoy premium Centre Court or Court One tickets with access to the Debenture Lounge’s restaurants and bars, plus complimentary Oyster cards for seamless travel on match day. Prices from £3,427 per room, per night. For more information visit https://milestonehotel.com/
Benvenuto to Bancone Restaurant
Just in time for summer, Bancone – one of London’s hottest new Italian restaurant groups – has brought its signature buzz to High Street Kensington with a brand-new opening in Wrights Arcade. This marks the group’s fourth London location, joining the ranks of Covent Garden, Soho and Borough Yards. Known for fresh, hand-crafted pasta and effortlessly cool interiors, Bancone’s extensive 120-cover Kensington venue features a mesmerising open kitchen too.: https://www.bancone.co.uk/
Burger & Lobster Opens in High Street Kensington
Another summer newbie is Burger & Lobster which has opened a sleek new 100-cover dining room at 222 Kensington High Street. Bringing its cool surf and turf signature menu of prime beef burgers, wild Atlantic lobster and lobster rolls to one of West London’s most prominent thoroughfares, the new restaurant is the only London venue to offer a specific brunch menu – featuring dishes such as lobster Benedict and berry-topped waffles. https://www.burgerandlobster.com/locations/london/high-street-kensington
Greek Restaurant Krokodilos Earns Michelin Recognition
Still cooing from the rave reviews following its launch at the end of last year, Krokodilos, Kensington’s wonderfully refined Greek restaurant, has just been awarded a Michelin star in the 2025 Michelin Guide for the UK. Located at 28A Kensington Church Street, the restaurant is overseen by Chef Angelos Togias (formerly of Jean-Georges at The Connaught) who brings his Greek heritage to the table with a modern interpretation of family favourite recipes. The menu features dishes like spanakopita-inspired flatbreads and dolmadakia in avgolemono sauce accompanied by an excellent selection of Greek wines. The vibe is rustic meets contemporary, with an open kitchen adding to the atmosphere. www.krokodilos.co.uk
Images L – R: Krokodilos; Konjiki: Bancone
Maggie Jones’s summer comeback
A proper grand dame of the restaurant scene, Maggie Jones has been luring diners to its romantic and atmospheric backstreet spot just off Kensington Church Street for more than 40 years. Currently closed for repairs following a fire, it’s due to reopen this summer with a fresh look but familiar vibe. www.maggie-jones.co.uk
Contemporary Japanese with sushi-style afternoon tea and Thursday night jazz at Kensington’s new Konjiki restaurant
If sushi is on the summer menu then Konjiki, Kensington’s latest Japanese opening, is a must-try. Located on Kensington Church Street, it’s owned by two brothers who run a couple of successful Japanese restaurants on the south coast. Offering a contemporary take on Japanese cuisine, the menu blends traditional sushi and sashimi with more inventive dishes such as aburi cheese nigiri, sushi tacos and Chahan, a delicious fried rice dish topped with umami crumbs and cured egg. While, for those looking for an alternative take on afternoon tea, the Afternoon Sushi and Tea Set includes a mix of nigiri, maki, or sashimi followed by Japanese desserts and served with tea. Jazz lovers can book in on Thursday nights for some free music to accompany their dining experience. https://www.konjiki.co.uk/
Evenings of music, art and late-night bar at Leighton House
For a relaxing after-hours experience, throughout the summer Leighton House is staging drink and draw tutored art classes and a transformative mindfulness session with live music. The evenings include the chance to look around the museum (the exquisitely decorated former home and art studio of acclaimed Victorian artist Frederic Leighton) pre the event, as well enjoy its glorious garden and an open bar. Tickets from £12. For more information https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/museums/whats-on
Boujis incarnate at Gallery, a new late-night club
High Street Kensington has a new late-night beat this summer thanks to the launch of Gallery – a club from the team behind B Club (the revival of the legendary Boujis nightclub). Located at 2a Kensington High Street, the 400-capacity hotspot has an edgy, East London vibe, complete with a 360° DJ booth, state-of-the-art sound and artistic performances. Tucked inside is a secret pizzeria, a Cuban bar and a hidden studio room for the curious, with artworks from renowned artists (hence the name). Open from Wednesday to Saturday for the what’s on DJ listings and more information: https://www.galleryclublondon.com/
For further information visit: https://highstreetkensington.co.uk/
