Hidden HYDE Kensington Proves A Real Gem
HYDE Kensington, the new addition to London’s bar and club scene, is so good that we went not once, but twice. Occupying a prime location opposite London’s HYDE Park and the Kensington Palace, HYDE is a rare gem on a crown of many.
The easy to miss entrance sits right on Kensington High Street – one of the most desirable addresses in London. The stairs took us one level down and we were greeted by full size body armour guarding a lavish throne – a sight we took as an invitation for an obligatory ‘selfie’.
Throughout the place, the walls were decorated with artwork by the renowned artist JJ Adams, who was commissioned to create the pieces especially for the venue.
We arrived on a busy weeknight, when a networking event was taking place and the venue was buzzing with business card swapping entrepreneurs.
We were seated in the quiet section at the back, right by the dance floor and the DJ booth.
The food menu, prepared by chef Adi Gunawan who spent eight years working with Ian Pengelly at Gilgamesh, is extensive enough, retaining a high quality standard throughout. It was divided into sections such as Small Plates, Large Plates and Dumplings, and concluding with a choice of two deserts filed under the Happy Ending section.
I think we must have cleared out the kitchen that night and I don’t feel embarrassed about it in the slightest. We started off with a serving of Popcorn Shrimp, which came with a garlic and chilli mayonnaise. Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce followed, which my dining companion described as the creamiest and smoothest peanut sauce she has ever had. Next arrived the Plum Miso-Marinated Chilean Seabass – which I dream about to this day. The Scallop and Prawn Siu Mai melted in my mouth and I wished for more before I even had the chance to swallow. Clearly this wasn’t enough so we finished with a portion of Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls and one Coconut Crème Brulee to share.
Everything was finger-licking divine!
We washed it all down with a nice bottle of Pinot Noir in a real cavemen fashion. And the delicious Cocktail menu, put together by resident bartender Andy Mil, was innovative from start to finish. Whoopsy Daisy, Mad Hatter and The Final Touch are just a few to mention from the impressive list.
Our second visit was on a bustling Friday – groups of girls on a night out, couples on a date and patrons getting ready to party made up the crowd.
The weekends at HYDE start on Thursdays, where the back of the venue turns into a dance floor and a DJ spins tunes until 3am – make sure you have your dancing shoes on.
What’s more, the service here is faultless! Throughout both visits, we watched Costas – the head manager, work the room non-stop, chatting with customers and making sure everyone was having a good time.
As well as the cocktails and mouth-watering food, the staff here are the shining jewels. From the moment we arrived until the moment we put on our coats, Costas, Jay and the rest of the team looked after us and provided an exceptional service.
HYDE – you have won my heart and my stomach and I’ll be sure to return.
With Halloween around the corner, why not celebrate in style this year. Put your best fancy dress on and get yourself to HYDE before 10.30 on Saturday 29 October for a free Halloween punch. For bookings and more information go to www.hydekensington.co.uk
- HYDE Kensington, 1 – 1A Kensington High Street, London W8 5NP; Nearest Station: Kensington High Street
