Radisson Blu Edwardian, Vanderbilt is an elegant 4-star 19th century townhouse hotel with beautifully designed bedrooms, modern comforts and an attractive restaurant. The hotel is within a 20 minute stroll of many shops and attractions including Harrods, Harvey Nichols and The Royal Albert Hall. The Natural History Museum and The V&A are within 5 minutes walking distance.
This hotel is brilliantly placed in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and is home to Scoff & Banter Kensington – the restaurant located on the ground floor of the building. Scoff & Banter celebrates hearty and contemporary British cuisine where guests can discover a home from home with lovingly prepared seasonal British cooking using the finest locally sourced ingredients.
Dinner at Scoff & Banter kicked off with two interesting cocktails – a Chestnut and Walnut Sour and a Rum Punch. The former is an unusual combination of flavours that can be rather Marmite… you’ll either love it or hate it. We liked it but definitely thought it suited a certain mood and would be well placed in a cigar bar or a venue with a prohibition vibe. The rum punch was recommended and popular, very sweet would suit those who weren’t going to drink too many.
For starters, the mini roast Yorkshire puddings with roast beef brought a hint of Sunday to one’s midweek. Light on the horseradish not too much kick for those who don’t like heat.
The crab cakes were generous on the crab served with a chilli kick for those who constantly do want some heat.
I ordered the rib eye steak came as a small 250g portion but cooked rare so had to send it back for a little more fire. The chili mayo from the crab was so delightful I asked for a second helping for my hand cut chips. They also have a red wine and rosemary sauce which is a more traditional pairing and definitely one to recommend.
The herb crusted lamb rack was accompanied with creamed potato, minted pea puree and a rosemary lamb gravy. Requested just under medium but came a little redder than ordered. However it tasted fabulous and you can see why this dish has lasted on the signature list.
Sides include crispy roast potatoes served with a sprig of fragrant rosemary.
To finish who could resist and Eton mess which was not messy at all. Maybe it’s just me but there was a huge temptation to smash the meringue like with the back of my spoon.
The sticky toffee pudding with caramelised Williams pear and a butterscotch sauce was an interesting twist on a classic.
Scoff & Banter is definitely all about location, location, location. Those who love classic British favourites will be well catered for at this welcoming Kensington restaurant. For larger gatherings, Scoff & Banter has a cosy area available for exclusive hire which hosts up to 30 guests.
Scoff & Banter Kensington
Radisson Blu Edwardian, Vanderbilt
68-86 Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BT
+ 44 (020) 7666 1891
www.scoffandbanter.com