I have been a regular diner at Kensington Place since it opened, but have noticed over the last few times the beginning of the rot that blights restaurants that either feel they don't have to make an effort anymore or start employing staff that definitely give that impression. My visit last Friday showed off the above two traits admirably and explains why that visit will be my last. My wife, twelve year son and I arrived at the restaurant at 9 pm. The welcome was a little strained and for some reason we watched as our original table was hastily changed to one near the bar and wedged under an over hang. We then waited …and waited. I noticed the table next to us were also looking annoyed. Trying to catch a waiters eye was impossible so I stood up to get the managers' attention. He seemed genuinely concerned that I was standing up, but completely ambivalent to the fact that we hadn't been given any menus , bread , butter …recognition! We were then offered drinks which duly arrived and our waiter who seemed genuinely surprised we had interrupted his evening came over with a half empty basket of stale bread. KP used to be well known for its home baked breads and was something that you would never think would be allowed to decline. The waiter was more than happy to say that this was the only bread we were going to be offered. . My elder son then arrived, but with no one meeting or greeting at this stage I had to get the barman out of the cellar to take his coat and bag.
The menu has evolved into a single sheet and now shows signs that it is being written by a chef who has no experience of front of house, no interest or knowledge in his clientele and devised with his own ego at the fore front. Struggling to find something on the menu that actually sounded appealing I resorted to the sirloin steak. When I ordered this from our nonchalant waiter, (no pad, no interest, no charm) I was told that it was served medium rare. Fair enough , but I asked mine to be cooked a little more and… More