Core

The story

Core London: Clare Smyth's British Fine Dining at Kensington Park Road

Core by Clare Smyth defines modern British fine dining in North Kensington, where the kitchen focuses on natural, sustainable ingredients from dedicated local producers. Clare Smyth, the first British female chef to secure three Michelin stars, opened this debut restaurant in August 2017 after growing up on a farm in County Antrim.

The chef and her philosophy

Smyth's cuisine centers on evoking emotion and nostalgia through food rather than complexity for its own sake. She describes her style as extracting the best from ingredients while creating warmth and hospitality for every guest. This dedication to doing the ordinary extraordinarily well permeates the entire operation, from the kitchen brigade led by Head Chef Jonny Bone to the front-of-house team trained to put diners at ease.

British produce and the kitchen

The cuisine relies on seasonal offerings sourced from trusted suppliers across the UK. The menu features items such as Isle of Harris scallops, Merrifield Farm duck, Herdwick lamb, and Porthilly oysters. Guests can choose between seasonal and classic tasting menus or select from the à la carte options, all crafted to share discoveries about the land and sea. The wine list, curated by beverage director Gareth Ferreira, the first South African Master Sommelier, complements these dishes with timeless vintages and avant-garde producers. A separate whiskey and cocktail bar also showcases nearly every distillery in Britain.

The room and the experience

The dining environment emphasizes British craftsmanship, featuring fine bone china, silverware, and staff wearing bespoke tailored suits. Ultimate luxury here means making people feel comfortable and relaxed enough to get the most out of the evening. The Chef's Table offers a distinctive view into the kitchen for up to ten guests, separated only by a sheet of glass. Global indices reflect this precision, with La Liste ranking the kitchen highest among UK restaurants and Smyth named World's Best Female Chef.