As mentioned in our fall-openings guide, Kitchen W8, a new restaurant from business partners Rebecca Mascarenhas and Philip Howard of The Square, will launch on Wednesday, 28 October, on the former site of Kensington's Bistrot Eleven. Howard will also serve as executive chef, and his modern European menu will include fare like pot-roasted pork belly with crushed root vegetables, black pudding and apple. The restaurant manager will be Eric Handts, previously with Searcys at 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin), and Simon Freeman, previously at Hibiscus, will oversee the wine list. A set lunch and early evening menu (available 6–7 PM) will change daily, priced at £18.50 for three courses or £15.50 for two. There will also be a separate Sunday lunch menu at £25 for three courses (11 Abingdon Rd., W8 ; reservations can be made by calling 020-7937-0120; www.kitchenw8.com).
– Roger Clarke