Harvest is now open in Kensal Rise

Posted on May 11, 2023 in Latest Openings

Harvest by chef and restaurateur, Jesse Dunford Wood in Kensal Rise, North West London is now officially open. Harvest is the third restaurant in Dunford Wood’s portfolio, with other venues including pub and dining room Parlour (also in Kensal Rise) and 6 Portland Road (Holland Park). Cementing his credentials as a talented and considered neighbourhood chef operator, Dunford Wood made a name for himself originally having trained with the likes of Rowley Leigh and Michael Caines before opening the National Dining Rooms with Oliver Peyton and then relaunching The Mall Tavern prior to the arrival of Parlour in 2012.

Having opened on bustling Chamberlayne Road in Kensal Rise, the bright and light restaurant has taken over what was previously a former favourite local and long-standing curry house – Bawarchi – in the heart of the Kensal Village. The modern British restaurant is open all day; starting with coffee & breakfast from early morning, through to daily brunch, lunch and dinner, and is destined to quickly become a staple for locals and visitors alike.

The colourful, approachable, seasonal and British-led menus will evolve throughout the day and week, with a £15 set lunch menu also on offer. Regularly changing, there is an emphasis on British coastal fish, and direct-from-farm meat which are complemented by contemporary plant-led dishes. Dunford Wood’s menus utilise ingredients drawing upon a wealth of significant supplier relationships nurtured over the last 20 years of running professional kitchens in the UK. The drinks offering is wine led with a short yet curated list, accompanied by refined cocktails, and a strong non-alcoholic offer. In collaboration with neighbouring Portobello Brewery, a Harvest Pilsner is also available.

Menu highlights are as follows:

Morning Bakery (from 8am) & Brunch (from 9am)

Roasted Isle of Wight tomatoes on toast

Kitchari & kedgeree (Crispy egg, curry sauce & fried onions)

The Green Man Breakfast Crumpet (Roasted broccoli, courgettes & spinach with Green Eggs)

NW10 smoked salmon with cream cheese & bagels

Lunch & Supper:

Duck Liver Profiteroles

Roasted scallops

Asparagus & butter lettuce salad

Tamworth pork schnitzel

Courgette flower & semolina chip

Large whole sea bass to share

Short Horn Sirloin to share

The restaurant stretches across 35 covers inside with a further 35 seats in the ‘secret’ garden towards the back. This is complimented by a handful of street-side tables, perfect for enjoying coffee and brunch whereas the garden tables are ideal for languorous, convivial dinners with friends and family. Interiors have been led by Ben Masterton-Smith from Transit Studio (Groucho Club, Royal Academy Cafe, EartH Kitchen, Sapling) with a focus on natural colours, lots of wood, aiming for a lived in and comfortable atmosphere. Wrought iron wall art designed by Dunford Wood’s father Hugh adorns the walls.

Cradled between Notting Hill and West Hampstead, Kensal Rise is quickly establishing itself as an emerging food-led neighbourhood, boasting just as much culinary flair as its better-known neighbours. Harvest joins other noteworthy local spots within this West London enclave including The Wealthy Beggar, Morty & Bobs and Jaego’s House.