The Cross at Kenilworth

Gastropub·
££££
·
Silver Award
·

SquareMeal Review of The Cross at Kenilworth

Silver Award

Set in Warwickshire, just 90 miles from the centre of London, this well-regarded gastro pub makes the perfect weekend jaunt from the capital if you’re after some seriously good grub.

Andreas Antona spent his formative years in the kitchen of this coaching inn before upping sticks and eventually moving to Simpsons in Birmingham – so it’s fitting that he’s back in charge of the revitalised Cross, coming full circle on his journey.

Inside, there are all the signs of a mature, expert facelift, with swathes of upholstered leather and baronial wood panelling offset by tin ceiling tiles and industrial lights, while Antona’s long-time colleague Adam Bennett runs the kitchen. The result is elegantly worked food with a Michelin star and three AA Rosettes to its name and a focus on stunning Euro-accented flavours – from wood-smoked eel with ‘potatoes, potatoes, potatoes’, sorrel and capers to loin of Cornish spring lamb accompanied by glazed carrots, apricots, cracked wheat, sheep’s yoghurt and spiced jus. The Cornish crab soup with saffron mayo is “to die for” one SquareMeal reader offers, while dessert could bring orange and gingerbread soufflé with chocolate and cardamom ice cream.

If you’re the kind of diner who enjoys watching the buzz of a restaurant from your seat, try to arrange a table in the back room, which overlooks the kitchen with its chefs busily bustling around to prepare your food. Alternatively there’s a lovely room next door that is flooded with natural light, which used to be a classroom and now houses a collection of graciously-spaced tables.

Service is “as good as the decor” says another reader, set lunches are a savvy choice for the local business crowd, the drinks list reads well and they stage terrific wine evenings too. We’re finding it hard to think of a reason not to visit.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
Gastropub
Awards
One Michelin star

The Cross at Kenilworth is featured in

Location

16 New Street, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2EZ

01926 853840 01926 853840

Website

Opening Times

Dinner
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed 18:30-21:00
Thu 18:30-21:00
Fri 18:30-21:00
Sat 18:30-21:00
Sun Closed

Reviews

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3 Reviews 

Peter W

05 April 2019  
Food and service invariably extremely good without being obsequious. A fine selection of gins, and an extensive wine list.

Viv R

21 March 2018  
Without doubt the best restaurant I have ever been to. Prices are incredibly high so it is definitely a one off very special occasion kind of meal. The theatre does not take away from the flavours. The service is incredible, each table has their own bespoke experience. The story of each dish is amazing and it really is an experience and journey. Would recommend a million times over and is a meal I will never forget.

angela A

15 June 2017  
Fabulous cooking crab soup to die for. We chose 4 starters and they wers all stunning. Service was good as was the decor. Of four Michelin star restaurants we tried over one weekend this was the best.
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