THE IVY KENSINGTON BRASSERIE This is Caprice Holdings’fourth Ivy offshoot, the others being the Ivy Market Grill in Covent Garden, the Ivy Chelsea Garden and the Ivy Café in Marylebone. Open since December, it already feels like a favorite local haunt – busy but relaxed with a nice buzz. Tables are held back for walk-ins. The interior very much reflects the Ivy’s character, with mirrored panels, a diamond-patterned marble floor, dark green leather banquettes and a gleaming antique pewter bar. Outside the 40-cover terrace boasts a retractable roof.

The menu is modern British comfort food and you will find a few Ivy classics, such as shepherd’s pie (£13.50/$19.50). Starters include a smooth chicken liver parfait (£6.75), easily a meal in itself, and moreish truffle arancini (£5.50/$8).

My main course, roasted cod fillet with creamed leeks, bacon and haricot beans with champagne and clam sauce (£16.95/$24.50), was nice and chunky, if a little overcooked, although the sauce was lovely, and a side of truffle and parmesan chips (£4.50/$6.50) was definitely worth the extra calories. The slow-roasted shoulder of lamb on Parmesan polenta, roasted peppers and rosemary sauce (£16.25/$23.50) was meltingly tender, the sauce rich and flavorsome. The lemon meringue Alaska (£7.50/$11) was a triumph.

The wine list is well chosen, with something to suit everyone’s pocket, and the sommelier was well informed and helpful, as were the rest of the team, who went out of their way to ensure you had a good experience. This is one local haunt I would definitely return to. Open 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM Mon-Thurs (12:00 AM Fri), 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sat, 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM Sun, Starters £6.50£12.50 ($9.50-$18); main dishes £13.50-