The rustic wooden tables, the flickering candlelight, and the quiet hum of clandestine conversation could all quite easily lead you to believe that you’ve been transported out of the capital city and into a quaint-and-quiet countryside cottage. But Maggie Jones’s sits slap-back in the middle of Kensington, tucked away on a surreptitious side street.
Oozing old-school British comfort and cosiness, this rustic restaurant serves up delicious food with a big old dollop of history on the side. And after a two-year closure, it has quietly reclaimed its territory, and reopened its doors to hungry Londoners and beyond.
After a devastating electrical fire forced its closure in 2023, Maggie Jones‘s has officially returned to Old Court Place. The two-and-a-half year hiatus left loyal patrons waiting for the revival of the beloved eatery. Unlike what you’d expect to find inside a restaurant in the royal borough; Maggie Jones’s trades modern minimalism for cosy, traditional charm. It serves as a much-needed sanctuary, offering food as comforting as the atmosphere itself.
The backstory of Maggie Jones’s
The restaurant boasts a pretty interesting backstory; dating back to 1964. It originally set up shop as ‘Nan’s kitchen’ and swiftly earned itself a reputation, even catching the attention of royalty. Princess Margaret was a regular visitor, often using the eatery as an undercover supper spot. To dodge the relentless press, paps, and public eye, she used to book a table under an alias. That alias, I hear you ask? Maggie Jones, of course. Princess Margaret would supposedly spend her evenings completely out of the spotlight, able to relax and tuck into the delicious grub. The venue eventually changed its name in the alias’ honour.
Now, guests can walk into the very space that offered solace to a very famous figure. The restaurant is open daily, serving comforting British dishes and a whole load of history. Maggie Jones’s is a true reminder of hose special London’s dining scene really is. And it already had the royal stamp of approval, but now it’s got ours, too.
đź“ŤYou’ll find Maggie Jones’s at 6 Old Court Place, W8 4PL.
