There seems to be something strangely attractive about Notting Hill Gate. It seems to be running on a different time from the rest of London with stately mansions, high end cars parked on the side of the road and particularly well shod citizens in the street. Not a place for a person like me. I just don’t have the presence or goods to make up for lack of such. Yet a man can dream.
We visited a mid week with a group of friends and have to say that each and every course we had was a sheer delight. We had the Tasting Menu with Wine Flight and loved every minute of our experience. Courses came at a reasonable pace they were not too big and the tastes and flavors were exceptional. Everything looked beautiful too. The wines matched the food perfectly. Staff was friendly and efficient. The most perfect lunch we couldn’t fault it.
U will find all european cuisines here like french irish british...
Staff is totally charming and beautiful...
Its one of the best places to have dinner in london....
Do try it😎😎😎
from start to finish the entire meal was amazing! The staff were so friendly and nothing was to much bother, Clare and her team are a credit to the industry. We went for the 7 course tasting menu but it was more like 9 course as you get some extra dishes at the start and end. I told them that me and my wife were not keen on venison so they let us change this dish for the oxtail and short rib which was one of the highlights of the meal! I was also a bit cheeky and asked if we could have 2 different deserts so me and my wife could share and sample as many of Clare's wonderful dishes as possible, again this was not a problem. Rather than going for the wine flight we decided to sample the cocktail menu, after 3 cocktails each we were very impressed with the skill and care that had gone into the different flavours and alcohol used. Not just your average drinks menu, would recommend the prune and cognac cocktail but be warned it is strong so you might be a bit squiffy when you leave one of my favourite dishes was the skate as it has a super thin piece of sourdough bread that adds the most wonderful crispy texture to the dish and dark caramel flavours which paired beautifully with the glass of locally brewed Notting hill beer I had. Would recommend having a small glass on the side of this dish if you want any tips from a amature foodie like me. Clare was there and happy to talk to us and have a photo. Anyway I could go on all day about the experience but don't want to spoil it for you all! I have eaten at many Michelin starred restaurants and can tell you Clare will be receiving multiple stars soon so get in before they are fully booked!
Core by Clare Smyth: The World’s 50 Best Restaurant Female Chef 2018 (and some feminist thoughts). As Gordon Ramsay might say, “Let’s get one thing straight…” That is, I cringe desperately when awards are given in certain fields that recognize one gender and not the other. In this instance, earlier in 2018, the World’s 50 Best Restaurants identified chef Clare Smyth as the best female chef in the world. It’s an award they give out every year. Having worked in a 3 Michelin star venue for many years (Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, 2012-2016), I respect Chef Smyth’s pedigree.
The food was 10/10, the service 10/10, Everything about this restaurant makes it one of the best restaurants in London. We were delighted to get in at all. Ate at 930pm and it was worth the wait. Spectacular dining.
Very impressive dining experience and could feel the passion of the team which couldn’t be found in other Michelin 3-star restaurants in London as a guest. Must go before it grabs stars! Thanks for introducing the kitchen and all the best to the new adventure.
Unlike so many people who prefer to let their birthdays quietly slip by with as little attention as possible, and who dread the increasing numbers which they don’t want to be reminded of, I still take a ridiculously childish pleasure in mine. While I’m certainly not keen on the ravages of time which, unavoidably and rather annoyingly, insist on making their mark on my face and body, I delight in the anticipation of a new chapter, the new experiences ahead and on suitably celebrating the fact, that on this one day in dreary mid November, I am the undoubted Queen for the Day. Oh yes please, do make a fuss! In fact, go right ahead and make a big fuss, shout it out to the rest of the world, serenade me, spoil me, send me cards, messages, emails, flowers and chocolates, just don’t hold back in the slightest! Having lost my parents at a young age, theirs and mine, I am always thrilled to have managed to get another year under my belt. It seems like a most fine achievement for which I must be patted on the back and congratulated copiously. So pleased with myself am I, that, when I was a little girl, I firmly believed the National Anthem, which was played on the radio every year on my birthday, was entirely for me, little realising that I share this day with Prince Charles. So, you get the picture, my birthday is and always will be amazingly special.
Such a unique experience. This is so much more than dinner! We came to celebrate my husband's birthday and we really had a great time. The food is out of this world, and the service was outstanding. Thank you so much to everyone at CORE for making this moment so special to us. They even got a birthday dessert for my husband. We really appreciated it.
Truly an amazing dining experience. Imagine the best service possible, then times that by 10. That’s how good it was. The attention to detail was incredible, and they even laughed at my dads lame dad jokes.
The food was out of this world delicious, every course kept getting better and better. We did the wine pairing , which I highly recommend. The sommelier was highly knowledgeable and friendly, answering any and all questions we had in a friendly manor.
I hope every visit to London includes a dinner trip here!
A unique memorable experience! We had the tasting menu, including 1 vegetarian and the wine pairing. We were greeted by Clare Smyth and the team of chefs as we were shown to our table. We were also lucky to have them in our sight while dining. Food was well presented and tasty, especially the first course. Staff were very attentive.
You do need to book 3 months in advance, but it is worth it.
WOW. This was my first Michelin Star experience, and I knew I was expecting good food, but this surpassed anything I could have imagined! Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, you get what you pay for. The customer service was second to none- we requested gluten free meals which were happily accommodated and all substitutes explained. We also chose to partake in the wine pairings but requested only whites as our preference which was no problem. Every wine was fantastic and not only complemented the meal, but our tastes as well.
They release reservations 90 days in advance and if you want a specific day, I suggest you be online to book that far ahead. We’re returning in June and cannot wait!!
If you’re at all a foodie, this is absolutely worth your money!!!!
We had a lovely meal at Core by Clare Smyth. We had the 3 course lunch which was great value! The memorable dish for me was Core apple! I even had a potato dish that looked ordinary but turned out to be the most outstanding potato dish that I ever had!
A 3 star fine dining restaurant with many english flavours! We had the signature course and every course was carefully crafted to perfection. I really liked the potato and roe!!
GREAT FOOD 🥘EVEN BETTER STAFF 🤩 tasting menus between £215 - £235 PP 💵, wine pairing £135PP 💵. Of all the Michelin Star ⭐️ restaurants I’ve been too, the STAFF & SERVICE here where the best/stars of the show. In really welcoming, very knowledgable and just a pleasure to be around 👌 spoke slowly, actually wanted to talk about the dishes and wine (not just get through the script).
ATMOSPHERE- I know Clare theme here was English food and a friendly and welcoming experience. We where lucky that Clare was in the kitchen the night we where there. We even got a little wave back from her and the kitchen team on the way in, which was a lovely touch! She and the team have very much achieved this and get a big tick from me here ☑️
FOOD - interesting, complicated and simply presented. Very much different from other 2+ stars I’ve been too. Focus was much more on the ingredients, without too much faff around it. Wines where interesting and bold for the flavours, but throughly enjoyable.
SHOULD YOU GO - Yes! 👍 Was a lovely evening out and would highly recommend booking a spot. As always, get one of the tasting menus and go with the wine pairing.
WOULD IT MAKE IT INTO MY TOP 3 - just shy of it for me personally (but I’m far far far from an expert, and seriously - what do I know!). The menus was a tad white winey/fishy/vegi for me personally, it slightly lacked the delicate nature of Gordon’s without the adventure and difference of Heston’s. Pricing was great, but not quiet as much as the ‘no brianer’ as JY’s is Colmar, France by comparison (for those that were interested it with be for me; Gordens, JY’s and Fat Duck for me personally) However the service and staff top all 3 and in my mind, Core comes far above other 2/3 Stars places in London like Sketch. Again, all my opinion which you should take with a handful of salt! 🧂
But highly highly recommend and wishing Clare and her teams the best of success, as they deserve it 👍
A truly unforgettable experience. From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. The staff do not miss a beat. Incredibly warm and welcoming and you want for nothing, from the food, to the atmosphere to the service. It’s not a just restaurant, you’re a guest to people who truly love what they do. Thank you.
Loved it. Great food, smiling staff, lovely atmosphere. More relaxed than expected for a 3 star. Being greeted by kitchen team on way in is a nice touch. We went for the Seasonal Menu. Crab, Morels, Turbot, Lamb, all great but the Malt Teaser was amazing. Yes it will cost more than your average meal out but perfect for a special treat.
A worthy three star restaurant that can improve on its dessert courses. I would say I’ve been checking on booking openings for a couple of years before getting this lunch booking by chance. It was full house that lunch, w about 30 seats. We choose the seasonal menu and a wine pairing. The dishes were full of umami, without much cream sauce as typical French cooking. We really enjoyed the dishes. The two dessert course were absolute let down. I would guess the restaurant doesn’t have a pastry chef. They were couple of chocolate dishes that wouldn’t even worthy of own star. The wine pairing was fine at 135£. The restaurant could offer a better wine course at a higher price. To conclude, it’s a three star that needs to hire a pastry chef
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes