There are several things you should know about this 14-seat bolthole in north Notting Hill. First,…read morethere are only 14 seats (not to be redundant or anything; it's just that small), which means it books out weeks in advance for a weeknight table and months ahead for a weekend spot. Next, the eponymous place is headed by Marianne Lumb, a MasterChef finalist in 2009, and her merry band of restaurant ninjas: a sous, a dishwasher, and a front-of-house consisting of two whole people, who are always a delight. That's it.
Other things you should know:
- The space was obviously someone's front parlor until recently, which makes it amazingly cozy.
- Prices are beyond reasonable (3 courses at £48, with cheese it's £60) and menus change weekly and seasonally.
- The wine list is substantial.
- There is a waiting list for neighborhood locals. They use it to fill out late cancellations. I've gotten the nod twice in about four months.
- The truffle brie is divine. Ask for some honey and oatcakes to accompany it.
All things considered, it's one of the best new restaurants in London. If I had written this after the first time I went in December, I would've said it was the best new opening of the year. However, having been twice since then, the dishes have waned a bit, but this could be attributed to the lack of variety this time of year. Hopefully it picks up again in the coming weeks.
Last, I waited a few months to post this review, because I haven't wanted any additional competition. But since we're upping sticks and heading down south before long, I'll just say: have at it, kids! It's a great local spot, and Marianne and her team deserve all the support they can get.