Launceston Place

1A Launceston Pl, London

This unassuming gem nestles among the backstreets of Kensington High Street and, with its gastropub exterior and mushroom- hued furnishings, wears its Michelin star discreetly. However, the food is a joyful, flamboyant eruption of British flavours. Tim Allen’s tasting menu uses truffles to the nth degree, with the highlight being hand- dived scallop and chicken wing dusted with truffles and apple blossom. The wine list is superb, but every visit should begin with a crisp gin and tonic, cooled by cucumber moons and sprigs of thyme suspended in ice cubes. IL. 020 7937 6912, launcestonplacerestaurant.co.uk