Detective Chan's Reviews

Beach Blanket Babylon, 45 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2AA

On an occasion where the destination was pre-determined by our ‘illustrious’ host, we were to convene for dinner at the affectionately known ‘BBB’ – also a nickname for a mutual friend of ours (cue muted sniggering in an ‘in-joke’ manner).

The important nature of the evening was met by frantic preparation – last gasp sprint to the dry cleaner; a shower more reminiscent of an army hose-down; a parting self-frisk checklist of keys, wallet, phone followed by a vain mirror glance and the fleeting decision of whether to leave the critical hat aside and enjoy the proceedings purely as an ordinary guest. Likely. The inevitability of running late forced the hand of driving vs. public transport which would later prove an imprudent choice.

Nestled in an unassuming residential street, Beach Blanket Babylon is far enough away from the tourist trap of Notting Hill's bustling market and infamous ‘Blue (now black) Door’, but close enough to Westbourne Grove to attract the local elite set. The extravagant Georgian mansion that houses the restaurant/bar come members' club has a distinct charm and air of exclusivity about it – however this could be misconstrued as somewhat of a pompous trait.

The interior is a nod to the decadent past of the opulent Rococo and grandiose Baroque style, featuring wall to ceiling sash mirrors, crystal chandeliers and ornate candelabras, although I fail to see where the Boho chic they mention arises, unless they mean the clientele.

After being greeted by a gracious enough maître d’, we were escorted to the dining area, through what felt like a plank walk on a pirate ship à la The Goonies, up steep narrow cast iron steps, to a cavernous alcove named ‘The Chapel’. There is a vulgar eccentricity to the eclectic mishmash of Gothic arches and Grecian furnishings; the mezza luna shaped table we sat at was highly unconducive to a social setting and we spent most of the meal cranking our necks just… More