At first glance you’d be forgiven for thinking this isn’t actually in London. There’s no way, surely, that this quaint, wooden, candlelit cottage could possibly be a lovely Kensington restaurant? But you’d better believe it, because charming eatery Maggie Jones’s sits just off a busy high street, offering diners a sense of pure escapism.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way first: this place is absolutely stunning. Oodles of rustic charm make Maggie Jones’s a picture magnet, with punters irresistibly drawn to the lashings of wood, ceiling baskets, and wagon wheels. Charming cupboards full of crockery and candles on every table complete the countryside look, giving the impression of a Dorset farmhouse rather than a London restaurant. It’s also given a healthy lashing of authenticity, having been operating since as far back as 1964.
Behind the name
Maggie Jones’s wasn’t always Maggie Jones’s. In fact, it was originally opened in 1964 as Nan’s Kitchen. Back then, it garnered some pretty impressive regulars, and was a favoured restaurant of Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon. Late in the evening they’d slip in, grab a seat at their favourite booth, and enjoy a delicious meal.
But, of course, they couldn’t exactly book under their official names and titles. As such, they would make the bookings under the alias “Maggie Jones”. In the 70’s, Nan’s Kitchen then rebranded as Maggie Jones’s to honour their most famous regular. Diners can even find portraits of the two on the wall, demarcating their booth of choice. Fancy dining with a royal?
Dining at Maggie Jones’s
It’s no real surprise to learn that Maggie Jones’s is the sister-restaurant to bucolic French spot La Poule au Pot, also kitted out with rustic touches. Still, the key difference lies with the food, as a menu of hearty British cooking awaits you here. Guinea fowl in white wine sauce, roast rump of lamb with rosemary and garlic, and a steak and kidney pie are just a handful of options from the dinner menu. Which, frankly, sound absolutely scrumptious!
As a plus, if you’re not keen to splash out they offer set menus for lunch or dinner. These can be had for just £30 or £35 (depending on whether you opt for two or three courses). And, sure, it’s not the cheapest meal around, but it’s a relative bargain by London standards for the quality of food and the incredible surroundings.
As you’d imagine, Maggie Jones’s do Sunday lunch rather nicely, again skewing heavily towards classic English fare, with an equally banging range of desserts to follow. Throw in seasonal game, and their ever-popular pies, and you’ve got a proper feast on your hands.
If they could sell their rustic charm by the bottle, Maggie Jones’s would make an absolute killing. As it is, we’ll have to settle for their delicious food and impeccable vibes instead!
Maggie Jones's
Also published on Medium.