The stylish streets of Gloucester Road in Kensington are lined with charming Victorian houses and leafy trees creating pavements dappled with shade. There’s a timeless elegance and energetic buzz with a happy mix of tourists and locals going about their business.
Gloucester Road Station is a destination in itself with its platforms displaying ever-changing, sometimes slightly bonkers art. Make sure to look out for it, even if you’re only passing through. Opened in 1868, it’s one of the oldest tube stations in the capital and has special associations for me as it was where I disembarked for one of my very first London jobs.
Today we’re heading for a Korean feast and our destination, Korean Grill Kensington (KGK) is a minute from the station. We settle at our table with the built-in grill as its centrepiece for the exclusive Chef’s Feast. This set menu makes Korean dining easy (even if you’re a newbie) and is a great way to try a wide range of traditional Korean favourites. It’s an extensive selection so we made sure to go hungry – there’s a lot to sample.
The celebration of Korean cuisine starts with the delivery of the ‘sang cha lim’. This vibrant array of exotic dishes includes namu, bibi noodles, jeon, japchee, yuzu salad and two unique kimchis which soon surround our grill. Other accompaniments include rice and soup, sauces and a beautiful bowl of leafy vegetables perfect for wrapping.
The star of the show is undoubtedly what happens on that grill in front of you. A platter including king prawns and three cuts of premium beef arrives at the table. Our charming waitress expertly cooks everything in front of us. We love the luscious prawns and ribeye and onglet, with the relishes adding plenty of tasty Korean flavours. But our favourite is the delectable king kalbi (short rib), the signature dish marinated for 48 hours in their special sauce. It’s so tender and flavourful and melts in our mouths.
Dining at KGK is a fabulously entertaining and delicious experience as well as being a fascinating voyage of discovery. One that left me wanting to go back for more – or maybe even go to Korea. And the personal service with dinner being cooked in front of you makes for an even more special occasion. A distinctive dinner to remember.
Address: Courtfield Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 4LH
T: 020 7331 6331
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
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