Paradise by way of Kensal Green

Bars, Gastropub, Pubs·
££££
·
Bronze Award
·

SquareMeal Review of Paradise by way of Kensal Green

Bronze Award

GK Chesterton coined the phrase, which was clearly too much for the owners to resist – although the quirky moniker fits nicely with the oddball feel of this Kensal Green fun palace. From the wildly decadent interiors (marble busts, swirling drapes, chandeliers, grandiose paintings) to live bands and DJs, there’s a lot going on here – although the kitchen also puts plenty of effort into the food. Sit in the lavishly attired restaurant and enjoy seasonal dishes made from fresh locally sourced ingredients: Seared beef carpaccio, rocket, parmesan and roasted beetroot vinaigrette; Grilled prawns, avocado fattoush salad, tahini yoghurt and ?Spiced poussin with Jersey Royal potato salad, harissa aioli. With a great conservatory, private dining rooms, ‘cheeky Sunday roasts’ and more besides, this place has good-time distractions at every turn.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £30 - £49
Cuisines
Bars, Gastropub, Pubs
Ambience
Cool, Fun, Glamorous, Lively
Food Occasions
All day dining, Bottomless brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Sunday roast
Alfresco And Views
Outside seating
Special Features
Vegan options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Celebrations, Dates, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

Fresh, seasonal produce is at the forefront of the concept at Paradise. Boasting a decadent menu of British and modern European-inspired dishes, it is clear that food is an important part of the experience at this unique bar and restaurant in Kensal Green.

The restaurant itself appears old-fashioned but opulent. Rich, velvet furniture of royal blues and mustard yellows are joined by feature chandeliers and gold-framed mirrors. Combining this with an exciting, creative menu makes for a delightful atmosphere that is both lively and glamorous. 

On the usual dinner menu, you'll find an array of starters with bold flavours. A punchy piccalilli dressing joins crispy smoked ham hock while cured seabass has avocado, ponzu sauce, pickled cucumber and caviar as its accompaniment. Heading into the mains it is a similar story; aubergine comes spiced with curried chickpeas and labneh while a tender lamb chop is served with a minty pesto as well as pea, leek and pink fir potatoes. The team know when to show-off their skills though with classics like battered haddock left the way everyone loves - crunchy and served with mushy peas, tartare sauce and hand cut chips. 

An impressive list of desserts are there for the finishing touches on your meal. A traditional sticky toffee pudding ticks the boxes with a butterscotch sauce, crunchy hazlenut praline and vanilla ice cream. English strawberries and a mint gel provide a refreshing side to a rich dark chocolate delice and diners without a sweet tooth have a selection of British cheeses to indulge in. 

Paradise is ready to impress every day of the week with a brunch menu of sweet annd savoury options as well as a traditional roast on a Sunday. They don't just serve a simple roast though, the menu spoils you with a three meat roast of chicken, beef and slow-cooked pork belly served with all the trimmings and lashings of red wine gravy. Make sure you wear your stretchiest jeans for this one.


FAQs

Are there vegan options?

Yes, although these are limited

Helpful? 0

Is there a children's menu?

Yes, a children's menu is available

Helpful? 0

Do you serve a Sunday roast?

Yes, we have a traditional Sunday roast menu

Helpful? 0

Paradise by way of Kensal Green is featured in

Location

19 Kilburn Lane, Kensal Green, London, W10 4AE

020 8969 0098 020 8969 0098

Website

Opening Times

Dinner
Mon 16:00-23:30
Tue 16:00-23:30
Wed 16:00-23:30
Thu 16:00-23:30
Fri 12:00-02:00
Sat 12:00-02:00
Sun 12:00-22:30

Reviews

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30 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Anon

28 May 2021  
Food & Drink 4
Service 5
Atmosphere 4
Value 4
The waiter

I came out this afternoon for a humble lunch and a little tipple, I thought it's Friday why the hell not! 
my experience here was fantastic solely down to the waiter that was so keen and eager to help, pretty sure his name was Michael if I'm not mistaken.
would deffo recommend 

Anon

28 May 2021  
Food & Drink 4
Service 5
Atmosphere 4
Value 4
The waiter

I came out this afternoon for a humble lunch and a little tipple, I thought it's Friday why the hell not! 
my experience here was fantastic solely down to the waiter that was so keen and eager to help, pretty sure his name was Michael if I'm not mistaken.
would deffo recommend 

Harriet C

27 June 2018  
This food gets better and better. Everyone that works there are so friendly and welcoming. The perfect place for a drink, amazing dinner and even party after!

Jill C

03 October 2016  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 4.5
Atmosphere 5
Value 4
WOW - Delicious!
We went on a Friday night and booked an early table. Drinks in the very busy bar beforehand, and the service was great. A wine was well recommended by the barman to suit our taste. Once in the lovely, airy dining room, we were spoilt for choice was a shortish, but tempting menu. I ordered the monkfish, and almost had to lick my plate! My companion had the duck, which was pronounced 'delicious' several times. We did go upstairs briefly afterwards to check the DJ, but it was all a bit young for these old bones! But a great meal, and excellent service. Highly recommended.

Derek M

15 April 2015  
Food & Drink 4.5
Service 5
Atmosphere 4.5
Value 4.5
Great value, Great food.
Booked a table for my wife and I, and a colleague and her son who lives locally. Based on reviews on square meal. Cannot fault the place. Very apprehensive when we turned up, as the outside and people around did not inspire confidence. WRONG. Once inside, the place was great. Staff attentive, and the food fantastic. (A mixture of starters including nettle pasta, fish and mains varying from rib eye to chicken). With the 50% food discount, I was more than happy to pay the bill. The atmospere was good (midweek), Hard to be critical. Maybe the seats could be more comfortable, but I am struggling to find a problem.

Nicolas W

29 June 2014  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 4
Value 4
The food , drink was very nice , although quite pricey the portion size and quality was spot on. The staff were very helpful and friendly and it helped create an enjoyable atmosphere . I would recommend this place to anyone looking to take a girl on a date ;)

Annie B

18 October 2012  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
We love going to Paradise and make it quite a regular occurance amongst friends and family. I find my self there for friends birthday dinners, a cheeky sunday roast, rave up with the live shows upstairs or just a few cocktails on a friday night. The staff are efficient and really friendly, not stiff like you find in some restaurants of that standard. The wine recommended always works with the food without anyone trying to rip you off! and then there's the food. oh the food. I don't think I've ever been disappointed. It's a real treat. the kind of place where everyone has to swap dishes half way through the meal just to try it all out. Last night was no exception. We started with some delicious fresh Oysters and a chicken liver parfait which was rich and creamy as you like. then a line caught sea bass with brown shrimp and samphire and a little pile of mash that was buttery as you can imagine and my fella had the pork belly with what I can't remember as he wolfed it down before I could even try any! but apparently tasty as hell. We then on quite a full tummy decided to share a sticky toffee pudding. which was a mistake ending up in a spoon war over the toffee sauce… Lesson learnt. Don't share desert.

Ashley B

08 October 2012  
Food & Drink 4
Service 4
Atmosphere 4
Value 3.5
We went to Paradise for dinner on Friday and had a really great time. when we arrived I asked if the barman could make a bramble as it wasn't on their drinks menu. He was happy to oblige and they tasted great. My starter of crab and avocado on sourdough toast was delicious. The presentation was great, the portion size was great and it tasted delicious. I choose lamb for the main dish. The waiter advised me it would be served medium rare which was perfect for me, and it arrived, medium rare. It was served with clams, on a bed of green beans and with dauphinoise potatoes. The food was delicious, if I had to pick fault and it is tiny, is that the potatoes were slightly al dente but thats more of a personal preference as opposed to an error. Paradise is a great place to eat and socialise with friends, the atmosphere is fine dining but with a cosier, chilled out vibe. We had a great time and would definitely come again.

Scarlett L

02 August 2012  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 4.5
Came in with a group of friends for a roast dinner on Sunday, and I'm very glad I did. I'd already visited before on a night out and had a great night, so wanted to check out Paradise with a more chilled out atmosphere. The staff were so lovely and helpful when asking about the cheeses and and wines etc. I had the pork, which was probably one of the best, if not the best roast I've had. Just the right amount, as even though they are on the pricey side, the quality was superb – so much flavour with perfectly cooked fresh veg and potatoes fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside… YUM! My friends had the Lamb and another Pork and we were all extremely satisfied with our meals. The ambience was lovely. Really laid back yet so pretty with great atmosphere. We all had a lovely evening and will be back again soon. Think I'll try one of the bloody marys next time!

Adam D

18 June 2012  
Food & Drink 1
Service 1.5
Atmosphere 3.5
Value 3
This is a great venue for drinks and a night out, but I really would eat somewhere else first. I have never had a great meal here, but the last time was possibly the worst dining experience I care to remember. It was a birthday for 12 people, but we arrived to a table for 8, despite calling the restaurant that day to confirm. But it was the food that was unforgettable, for the wrong reasons. 4 of us complained and 3 sent back including a simple risotto. My pidgeon was actually 50% raw. How it got out the kitchen I have no idea but it would have made you ill. It also stank so bad that the girl next to me commented. And before you think that it's game and smells strongly, the guy next to me had one that was fine. Of our 12 nobody was particularly happy. I wouldnt knock the venue itself as it has some great bars, over a couple of floors and is a great night. But eat at your peril.
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020 8969 0098 020 8969 0098

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