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Core by Clare Smyth

restaurants
London
London

Core by Clare Smyth

92 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 2PN, United Kingdom

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

There are restaurants, and then there's Core by Clare Smyth - a three Michelin-starred establishment where the chef herself greets guests and British terroir reaches its apex. This isn't just dinner; it's a masterclass in what Modern British cuisine can achieve when technique meets obsessive ingredient sourcing.

Core by Clare Smyth: Three Michelin Stars and British Terroir Perfection in Notting Hill

When Britain's finest chef personally greets you at her temple to sustainable fine dining

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Core embodies sophisticated intimacy with a sophistication score of 9.5/10 and an energy level that sits at a refined 3.5/10 - this is fine dining at its most elegant and composed. The Notting Hill location on Kensington Park Road creates an exclusive yet accessible setting that feels both luxury-driven and refreshingly unpretentious. With an intimate social group size score of 2.5/10, this isn't about crowds or scene-making; it's about focusing entirely on the culinary experience before you. The space exudes the kind of quiet confidence that comes with three Michelin stars - no need for flashy theatrics when your reputation speaks volumes. The atmosphere perfectly balances special-occasion grandeur with genuine warmth, particularly when Chef Clare Smyth makes her personal rounds. It's structured rather than relaxed (flexibility score of 1.5/10), which means you're entering a carefully orchestrated experience where every detail has been considered.

Food & Drink

The cuisine here represents Modern British fine dining at its absolute pinnacle, blending classical French technique with distinctly British references and an unwavering commitment to sustainable British produce. Signature dishes like the roast monkfish and the ingenious gourmet Maltesers dessert showcase Chef Smyth's ability to elevate familiar concepts into something extraordinary. The restaurant offers both 'Core Seasons' and 'Core Classics' tasting menus alongside à la carte options, with ingredients sourced from dedicated farmers and artisan producers. Critics consistently praise the high standard of dishes and innovative yet safe flavors - this isn't molecular gastronomy for its own sake, but thoughtful innovation grounded in exceptional technique. The focus on sustainable, local British, artisanal, and seasonal ingredients isn't just marketing speak; it's fundamental to every plate. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, showing the kitchen's technical versatility across dietary requirements.

Service & Experience

With Chef Clare Smyth personally greeting guests, the service experience begins at the very top and maintains that standard throughout. The restaurant operates with the precision you'd expect from a three Michelin-starred establishment - this is highly refined dining where staff understand they're facilitating a special occasion for most guests. The conversation-friendly score of 6.0/10 suggests the service strikes the right balance between attentive care and allowing diners to focus on their companions and the food. Given the restaurant's structured approach and special-occasion focus, expect service that's polished, knowledgeable, and discreetly choreographed to enhance rather than interrupt the dining experience.

Value for Money

At £90-£160 for tasting menus, Core sits firmly in the luxury dining category with a maximum price level of 4/4. This represents a significant financial commitment, and the restaurant doesn't pretend otherwise. However, you're paying for three Michelin stars, personally sourced sustainable ingredients, and the expertise of one of Britain's most celebrated chefs. The experience depth score of 9.5/10 indicates you're getting substantial value in terms of culinary artistry and memorable experience, even if the price point limits accessibility. This isn't casual dining - it's an investment in experiencing British fine dining at its absolute peak. For special occasions and culinary enthusiasts, the pricing reflects the exceptional quality and rarity of what's being offered.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

The restaurant operates Tuesday-Wednesday 6:30pm-10pm, Thursday-Saturday 12pm-2:30pm and 6:30pm-10pm, and is closed Sunday-Monday. Given the intimate setting and booking requirements, weekday evenings might offer a slightly more relaxed experience than weekend services.

What to Focus On

For first-time visitors, the Core Classics tasting menu is recommended as it showcases the chef's signature dishes. Don't miss the roast monkfish or the innovative gourmet Maltesers dessert - both represent Chef Smyth's ability to transform British ingredients and references into Michelin-starred excellence.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Book well in advance given the three Michelin stars and limited seating. The restaurant focuses heavily on sustainable and seasonal ingredients, so menus will vary throughout the year. Given Chef Smyth's personal involvement in greeting guests, arriving punctually shows respect for the carefully orchestrated experience.

The Final Verdict

Core by Clare Smyth represents British fine dining at its absolute zenith - three Michelin stars earned through obsessive attention to sustainable sourcing, flawless technique, and genuine innovation within British culinary traditions. The combination of Chef Smyth's personal touch, exceptional ingredient quality, and sophisticated yet intimate atmosphere creates an experience that justifies both its reputation and price point. While the financial commitment is substantial, you're accessing something genuinely rare in the culinary landscape. This isn't just dinner; it's a demonstration of what British cuisine can achieve when guided by world-class expertise and unwavering standards.

Christoff's Rating:
9.2/10

Perfect For:

Special occasion celebrants seeking an unforgettable culinary experienceSerious food enthusiasts interested in British terroir and sustainable fine diningThose looking to experience three Michelin-starred excellence with a personal touch

Quick Details

1

Core by Clare Smyth

⭐ Three michelin stars
⭐️ Sustainable
⭐️ Chef driven
⭐️ British terroir

Three Michelin stars don't just happen,they're earned through the kind of obsessive dedication to craft that Clare Smyth demonstrates at Core. This Notting Hill temple to Modern British cuisine represents the pinnacle of what happens when classical French technique meets British ingredients and sustainable farming practices. Smyth personally greets guests, setting the tone for an experience that feels both prestigious and genuinely welcoming. The signature Core-Teser dessert,a gourmet interpretation of Maltesers,perfectly captures the restaurant's philosophy of elevating the familiar into something extraordinary. Every dish showcases ingredients sourced from dedicated farmers and artisan producers, creating flavors that are both innovative and deeply rooted in British terroir. This isn't just dinner; it's a masterclass in how fine dining can honor tradition while pushing culinary boundaries.

What's Great

Three Michelin stars with Chef Clare Smyth's personal attention

Sustainable British ingredients creating innovative Modern British cuisine

Keep in Mind

× Premium pricing at £90-£160 for tasting menus requires significant financial commitment

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book the Core Classics tasting menu for your first visit,it's like unlocking the chef's greatest hits

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
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Venue details

🕐"Tue-Wed: 6:30pm-10pm\nThu-Sat: 12pm-2:30pm, 6:30pm-10pm\nSun-Mon: Closed"
💷£££££

Featured In My Guides

Core by Clare Smyth has been featured in 2 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.