The Bird In Hand isn't your regular Kensington boozer: now owned by Max de Nahlik, this historic public house has a Mediterranean menu, rustically stylish re-design and maximalist private dining room with capacity for 20 people.
The room can be hired for drinks receptions, private meetings, product launches and children’s pizza parties, adding a little more scope beyond sit-down dinners. It's also beautifully designed with wrap-around floral wallpaper, a huge, central table flanked by rustic wooden benches, and textured pendant lights.
The menu is overseen by chef-owner Max de Nahlik, who trained at Leith’s School of Food & Wine before spending more than a decade working in high-end restaurants and food-led pubs, including three years as chef and co-founder of roaming pop-up Oxalis. After opening sister pub The Holland in 2022, where his highly seasonal, British-ingredient-led cooking earned a place in the Michelin Guide, he took over The Bird In Hand in 2026.
Here, the food nods to the Mediterranean, while maintaining Max’s focus on regenerative and organic suppliers. For groups, the feasting menu is designed to be shared across the table, starting with Bird In Hand focaccia and Honest Toil extra virgin olive oil, Padrón peppers with paprika salt, or parma ham and brown crab croquettes with smoked paprika aioli. Larger plates include tomato panzanella with burrata and rocket, beef carpaccio with crispy kale, walnuts, basil and miso dressing, and grilled asparagus with labneh and Aleppo pepper. There are pizzas too, including one topped with truffle paste, Tuscan sausage, porcini and truffle oil.
Sharing platters make a natural centrepiece for the table. Guests can choose from porchetta with walnut mustard and apple, prime rib with red wine sauce, or whole fish of the day served with salsa verde, agretti and dulse butter, alongside roast new potatoes and seasonal leaves with tarragon vinaigrette. Dessert keeps things classic with either coffee and chocolate mousse or tiramisu.