I don’t want to give away too much about the fantastic dining room of Paradise by Way of Kensal Green. If you’ve never been, it’s worth a bit of uncertainly for the wonderful surprise of seeing the interiors for the first time. And, of course, if you have been then you know what I’m talking about. Nice place for a drink, eh? But have you tried the Sunday lunch? It’s full-on (and filling!) and as lovely as you might expect to enjoy in such a pleasant setting.
I won’t be as withholding about the Sunday lunch at Paradise as I am about the way the place looks. The food was delicious. I loved my trough of Bowland rib of beef served with all the trimmings (and plenty of ’em including additional complimentary Yorkshire puddings available on request, £17.50).
A glass of 2010 Umani Ronchi Vigneto San Lorenzo Rosso Conero (Marche, Italy, £5.95 for 175ml or £8.25 for 250ml, £24 for a bottle) offered a long finish and fine accompaniment alongside my beef. Not convinced by my choice of quaff? Have a look at the Paradise wine list for yourself. It’s a good read.
Kemey came along with me for the feast and was really impressed by her vegetarian roast – a pumpkin, mushroom, spinach and herb Wellington (with all the trimmings including vegetarian gravy, £13.50). In fact, she said it was one of pitifully few times she didn’t “feel cheated” by a pub’s Sunday roast veggie option. Also notably yummy were the home made ice creams (£5.75). The blood orange flavour was an especially nice treat.
Unfortunately, I do have one complaint. What could have been a fantastic starter – endive salad with apple, walnut and Blue Monday cheese (£7.25) – had another ingredient (rapeseed oil, I think) and way too much of it (so much so that I wondered if somebody accidently split the bottle over my plate). To be honest, I’d order the salad again, as it was otherwise delightful. I would just ask for the oil on the side.
Service was exemplary (ice water served upon arrival, light convo, warm smiles, efficient delivery of our order).
Beyond an amazing Sunday lunch (one of the best I’ve had this year despite the disappointment with my starter), Paradise hosts a range of notable happenings and events such as the seriously impressive Kilburn Lane, W10 4AE with (check this out!) a cheese dinner with musician and farmer Alex James (£50), a butchery course by The Ginger Pig (£35), a Paul Young chocolate master class (£15), and an oysters and cocktails taster with Mother Shuckers and Sipsmith (£15) … and more! You’d be wise to book in advance!
Paradise by Way of Kensal Green is located at 19 Kilburn Lane, W10 4AE. Find out lots more info at theparadise.co.uk.
