Kensington and Chelsea locals are sure to know of and have visited the fantastic Aubaine restaurants in the area – one at 37-45 Kensington High Street, very close to Kensington Gardens and the other at 260-262 Brompton Road, in the lovely Brompton Cross area. If you haven’t paid the restaurants a visit yet, we recommend you do so soon – and if you’re a visitor to the area, make sure an Aubaine restaurant is part of your plans in the area!
Aubaine Kensington
The Kensington restaurant – the largest amongst all in the Aubaine group – features stylish floor to ceiling windows on two sides of the restaurant, providing a great view over the High Street. Step inside the venue, however, at any time during the day or evening and you can escape from the bustling street outdoors, joining workers or locals whilst they enjoy a spot of lunch, or diners enjoying a more relaxed evening meal accompanied by something from the extensive wine list or a cocktail or two. The restaurant is also perfect for a calm afternoon tea (or other beverage!), and as an accompaniment you can choose a little something from their wonderful patisserie. (It’s very hard to resist any of their cakes, although I found it equally hard to resist their beautiful macarons!)
The boulangerie at Aubaine
At Aubaine Brompton Cross, renowned in the local area, there’s a wonderful outdoor terrace that’s popular year-round with those looking to enjoy some alfresco dining. Once again, there’s a wonderful choice of options throughout the day from their regular menu and their patisserie, although their boulangerie also offers a fantastic choice of freshly made breads for customers to take away. Don’t be surprised to see a famous face or two if you dine here!
Both restaurants are also ideal for weekend brunch, which includes a range of classic dishes, salads and mains. Given its popularity, booking ahead for brunch at either venue is advised – see contact details below.
For those looking to celebrate the Christmas season in a special way this year, Aubaine have two wonderful 3-course set menus (which a choice of three dishes for each course) on offer. Their £38 menu includes ham hock, foie gras terrine and spiced plum chutney as a starter and roast pheasant, bacon, red cabbage and bread sauce as a main (my eye was naturally drawn to those two dishes!) whilst their £45 menu features crab, broccoli, bitter leaves and shellfish bisque for a starter and beef Bourguignon, Alsace bacon, mash as a main; both menus, of course, include a choice of sumptuous desserts.
Aubaine on Kensington High Street is also offering a complimentary bellini for any group bookings of six people or more during the festive season. The restaurant has also a special private room that’s perfect for small groups looking to hold a private Christmas celebration! (It is also possible to host parties of up to 100 people in the main restaurant itself.)
Finally, for anyone looking to indulge in Aubaine goodies at home, they sell a wide variety of seasonal delights including their famous Buche de Noel (chocolate log), shown below. Who could resist?!
Buche de Noel
Aubaine Kensington
37-45 Kensington High Street, W8 5ED
To book, call 0207 386 0950 or email Charlene.jinguenaud@aubaine.co.uk
Aubaine Brompton Cross
260-262 Brompton Road, SW3 2AS
To book, call 0207 386 0950 or email Charlene.jinguenaud@aubaine.co.uk
Further details on the restaurants (including full menus) can be found at www.aubaine.co.uk.