Ollins

Ollins...what a great night we had on 7th September. A colleague and I were in London for a few days and we stumbled across this best kept secret. Great service, great food and atmosphere and moderately priced. Pity I did not have my wife with me as this is a great little romantic place as well.....next time we are in London we will visit for sure.
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Graham Roberts
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 8
Friday, September 10, 2010

I am not somebody who does restaurant reviews. I believe that i pay good money for fantastic service and food in attractive surroundings. I have no duty beyond that.

However, i will make an exception for Ollins as (slightly subjectively) it tugs at my heart strings. To simplify, it is the place i went on a first date with my soon to be husband yet equally it's where i took my parents for a family meal last night. It is intimate and romantic without being crowded. The menu changes regularly and the food and personal service is always impeccable. Situated in a mews off Gloucester Road it is peaceful and picturesque whilst still being just a few minutes from the crowds towards S Ken, High Street Ken or Gloucester Rd. I know of nowhere else like it.

Enjoy!
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Catherine Huffer
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, April 10, 2010

Within an area like Kensington this is a small yet unique, wonderful family run restaurant. You will not find anything similar in atmosphere or quality (at the price) in the area.

The food is always seasonal, fresh and fairly priced and the service incredibly attentive without being obtrusive. The wine list is interesting and varied without being pretentious. Most importantly, after numerous visits i can guarantee that it is consistent in quality; no flash in the pan. As the owner/maitre'd will make clear to you on booking (very politely), make sure you book a table appropriate to your party's physical size! Personally for 4 or 5 normal sized people i would definitely book one of the window booths at the front of the restaurant.

I am concerned given its location and escalating rental prices in the area that it has not been supported as it should be by the local residents in recent months. The restaurant seats no more than 25 at a time (they do not have staggered seatings) and without consistent patronage it will not survive. Unlike South Kensington, it does not have an international clientele like say la bouchee or Il falconiere on Old Brompton road. However, it is superior to both hands down and for an additional five minutes walk from the museums i can promise it is well worth the trip.

Anyway, proof is in the pudding. My culinary picky future parents in law, who live in Cape Town, are fans of the upmarket Launceston Place round the corner. However, after our meal this evening (regardless of the fact Ollins is far cheaper), they swear that they would always pick Ollins as their preferred first port of call in the area.

Regardless, I am intrigued to hear what others think.
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Henry Hardy
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Saturday, April 10, 2010

i had the escargots, lamb shank and creme brulee and was impressed by the high quality of the food and presentation. The service was impeccable. I would thoroughly recommend the place to anyone that like food and good service or to impress the girlfriend/wife.
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Troy Prince
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Thursday, April 01, 2010

Excellent location, food, and service. A sparkling kitchen. This little place is a gem.
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Dino
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, April 08, 2009