Launceston Place

The inlaws are in town, you want to impress your boss, you want a civilised meal with your beloved to bask in your togetherness, or you just fancy terrific cooking in a smart, unstuffy, grownup setting - all these are reasons to book Launceston Place right this minute. Set in a Kensington backwater, the restaurant is decorated very much like a country house. Not a cottage, we mean the other kind of country house. Walls are light and creamy, banquettes are chequered hunting pink, candles and silver and linen are everywhere. The atmosphere is bubbling with conversation and the pleasant sounds of people enjoying themselves. The mainly modern British menu includes both stalwart country-house dishes as well as dishes influenced by the Med and the East. Try starter of twice-baked goats cheese souffle with pineapple salsa, main course of chicken en croute with mushrooms and tarragon, and pud of two creme brulees with shortbread. The cooking is deft and assured, the service likewise and the tr