Eve in Kensington

Taking refuge from an unexpected downpour, I arrived at Eve, a new restaurant within Kensington aparthotel Ember Locke. The familiar perfume of upscale hotel lobbies wafts through the entrance, prompting an instinctive hair flip to match the chic.

Warm red hues suffused the space, accompanied by charming tables and chairs. Was this the restaurant? Surely not. While perched at the small yet welcoming bar, I couldn’t help but eavesdrop on a conversation between a solo American traveller and the bartender. Opting for a Cardamom Old Fashioned, I delighted in its harmonious blend of smoky and sweet, spiced and smooth.

As a curtain unveiled the restaurant, my expectations were met. The atmosphere was dark, romantic, and sensually illuminated by flickering candlelight, intensifying the warm hues. Talia Prince, the executive chef of Eve, graciously introduced us to what was in store – Mediterranean flavours infused with her unique twists, with a special focus on grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables.

And it was delivered in abundance. We savoured a creamy assortment of mezze dips, featuring smoky aubergine, exquisitely whipped taramasalata, herby and fresh labneh and sweet yet earthy hummus. All served with pillowy folds of bread that we joyfully tore. Alongside the dips, we got chunky asparagus unburdened by excessive seasoning, allowing the sublime vegetable to fend for itself on our palates. We also got a Za’atar Fried Chicken with zhoug mayonnaise: herby, moreish and crunchy to boot. Worthy of slapping a hand away. 

The Manouri cheese dish on grilled bread was fascinating. Bathed in muscadel syrup, it offered feta-like flavours with an added creaminess, complemented by fresh, earthy rocket. My two favourites of the night came next. The generously sized Sicilian red prawns, liberally doused in lime and chili butter and seasoned with smoked garlic and Baharat spices, were sheer hedonism at £12 per prawn. Surprisingly, my other favourite was a vegan offering: charred cabbage with celeriac, chili and capers. It exuded bold, garlicky and outrageously smoky flavours, with a hint of heat.

Chicken skewers, marinated to perfection, featured a creamy, tender texture, complemented by turmeric yogurt. Lastly, the Ras el Hanout Lamb with Baba Ganoush concluded our feast with flaky, succulent morsels brimming with flavour, rounding off the meal with all the gumption of what came before it. 

After a meal at Eve, we left content, the rain forgotten, with flavours of the Mediterranean still lingering. It’s a warm haven, where smoky aromas blend with the soft glow of candlelight, creating an atmosphere ideal for savouring each dish

Ashiana Pradhan
Photos: Kensington Leverne

To book a table at Eve Restaurant, 202-220 Cromwell Rd London SW5 0SW, visit their website here.