REVIEW: Parlour, Kensal Rise

From my perspective, Kensal Rise is not known for its incredible restaurants. I only know the area as one of the stations on my way to my old flat, and as an area near my finance’s work. After my visit to Parlour, however, my mind is certainly changed.

I visited Parlour a couple of weeks ago after being invited for a review. I didn’t have high expectations ahead of visiting which probably helped lead to the absolutely joy that Parlour was to visit. Specialising in excellent British food, Parlour reminds me of a fantastic pub but in the heart of London - what a treat! We dined on seasonal beetroots, gorgeous grass-reared beef and blow-torched marshmallows. I hope that has got your tastebuds excited - enjoy the review! 

Where

Parlour, Kensal Rise. Nearest station: Kensal Rise (Overground)

When

Friday from 7:30pm

What we ate

To start: Raw vegetable and goats cheese ravioli; Pork terrine with brioche toast

Mains: Golden beetroot and Wensleydale tart; Cow pie with cabbage

Dessert: Home made Wagon Wheel, Baked Alaska

Review

• Wine is lovely and rich and also a screw cap - I love it when you find a damn good cheap bottle of plonk. There were plenty of notes of vanilla and cherry which was a lovely wintery combination.
• We were served complementary sour dough bread, which arrives warm as a whole loaf alongside a quenelle of butter. The flavour was rich and warming with that tiny touch of sourness that comes from a great sour dough base.
• My starter of raw vegetable ravioli was absolutely amazing - seriously it was one of the best starters I have ever eaten. The raw veggies were sliced with a mandolin then a dollop of salty goats cheese was added - thus creating ravioli! The little bits of seeds, cranberries and capers surrounding the ravioli were incredible by themselves, but also tasted fantastic with the ravioli.
• The terrine had a great mix of flavours and textures, which avoided this being a slightly generic starter. The pickled onions that came with it offered a sourness, while the crispy onions gave sweetness - these were perfectly balanced.

• The main courses were both good but nothing could stand up to those starters! My tart featured gorgeous golden beetroot, again cut on a mandolin, with a filling of rich and creamy Wensleydale cheese. The base was crisp and had a lovely snap to it.
• Alex’s main of meat pie was HUGE - in fact too big! It should have been shared by two people. That said, that pastry was perfectly thin and crisp, while the filling was soft, tender and deeply rich in flavour. The bone marrow centre added even more depth of flavour, while the side of cabbage brought a note of freshness.

• The desserts were really fun and I enjoyed having the marshmallow of my Wagon Wheel set on fire at the table (see the video) This was a tiny bit burnt in the end, but there you go.

Overall

I had a lovely time at Parlour and would happily visit again. Being as it is so close to my fiancé’s work we have actually been back to enjoy drinks in the heated garden. For food I would opt to sit in the pub-like side of the space; it has a cosier and more welcoming feel.

Thank you to Parlour for hosting us at this meal. 

Tweet to @elliemathews1