Reviews Parlour

Name: Parlour
Address: 5 Regent Street, London, United Kingdom, I-NW10 5LG
Telephone: +44 20 8969 2184
Rating: 87

FoodBites

+3.5

Came here for a dinner, the rustic decor and quirky art pieces were a treat to be surrounded by. The food was very hearty and had good flavour, although the bread they served was for more dense then we would have liked. They were solid. They had really interesting flavours for their artic rolls, bubblegum... and they tasted good and accurate at that!

Aug 19, 2017

Peter Lurie

+4.5

Let me Parlez about Parlour, a rustique but fresh approach to pub styled food with a creative and simple story behind each plate. I won't give too much away but those that have somewhat slated this restaurant clearly could of had a one off bad experience or simply don't know much about food, as it's been mentioned on this group I presume the former... rather than the latter. This place is not fine dining it is simply good food put together for those who like full flavours different styles and unusual combinations served in a very homely manner. "YOU HAVE TO PACE YOURSELF .... It's a tsunami of food" Tonight we experienced the Chefs table, and I somewhat took a liking to Chef Jesse who gave us an articulate insight into how a brasserie/pub/restaurant copes and caters for 5 kosherish, 1 vegetarian and 1 eat it all type hungry guests (that one being me) - very well, nothing offensive and no shellfish for the vast majority on this group. So how was the food? Well a brilliant night, a real one off for around £60 a head. From chestnut hummus, popcorn chicken - with the full kernel variety too, goats cheese stuffed kohlrabi and other slightly pickled styled veg.... Applewood back door smoked salmon really tender and the smoked skin to go with it on lovely home baked brown bread... Home made duck liver pate served with opened hens egg stuffed with a blue cheese and peanut brittle top, served on a plumbers valve!!!! Don't ask?? and these my friends were just the starters. Main course was a variety of well presented dishes the best being the marrow stuffed bone in the middle of Dandys beef pie absolutely delicious and all accompanied with wine served by Chef Jesse who was really very nice and completely hospitable all the way through which was a very nice touch. Enough food to feed an army here but most dishes tasty enough to make out individual flavours... The only overpowering bit was the goats cheese, mostly light but some very rich aspects too.... The most unusual thing I have tried was the miracle pill which made sour go sweet you've got to look this up!!!!

1. Synsepalum dulcificum, also known as the miracle fruit, is a plant with a berry that when eaten, causes sour foods (such as lemons and limes) subsequently consumed to taste sweet. This effect is due to miraculin, which is used commercially as a sugar substitute.

2. It made my Merlot taste of Palwin number 4 no jokes!
desert was an experience I've never had before armed with earphones and the tunes to 'Charlie and the chocolate factory' and a 'spoonful of sugar' made this an incredibly delicious piece of art and I mean piece of art. I'll let the pictures explain... But a must try if you can get in. Chef Jesse is a real showman with a great knowledge and passion for food and well after tonight my diet starts tomorrow.... Parlour - Chefs Table - Kensal Rise 8.5/10 ;-) the only thing missing was a cushion for my bony butt as it was a good 3 hour sitting experience.... And one I would do again :-)

Jan 04, 2016

Rosie Alittlelusciousness

+3.5

There are some events I get invited to that feel like a bit of an experiment. Then there are others which actually are an experiment - sitting with a jelly bean that tasted of vomit in my mouth, I realised that Stimulating the Senses with Tabl was definitely the latter. Replused, I wasn't too keen for the rest of what the evening had in store, but was assured by the team that this was the only horrible part of the night, and for the rest of it, we were in for a treat. Luckily, they were telling the truth.Tabl are a new pop up event company, promoting food events with a twist - think comedy nights with dinner, or the one I went to - a night composed by Heston Blumenthal's food psychologist, which would stimulate, trick and play with all of our senses. We didn't have a menu, had no idea what we would be eating, and ate some of the courses without smelling, or with headphones on that were blaring out crazy music as our dessert was painted on to the dining tables. We started with a bitter taste test - putting this paper strip on our tongue to identify those of us with more efficient taste buds. It wasn't a particularly pleasant taste, but one that was easily washed away with a glug of wine.

Dec 17, 2015

Federica De Dominicis

Rustic but with style, this place has a lovely outdoor area and is cozy inside. The staff is fast and efficient, some are friendly and others couldn't be bothered more, giving mixed feelings about the service. I went for a drink, they make a fantastic Bloody Mary, while my friend enjoyed a bit of tea and dessert, she doesn't drink alcohol, but reassured me that her cheesecake was divine. I'll go back to try the food soon as every dish I saw passing near me where a feast for the eyes.

Jul 17, 2015

Catfish

+3.5

Nice garden setting - friendly service - hard to tell who the staff were. Chestnut Hummus was horrible - too sweet and not hummussy at all. Nice wine - can't remember - never got to see the bottle poured - which is one of my bugbears - so just remember vaguely asking for an expensive French white. Smoked salmon was absolutely superb but sour dough bread was almost uneatable or is it inedible. I didn't eat it. Would go again for a bigger proper meal. They obviously care very much about the food. Needs some tweaks.

Jun 24, 2015

Angela Sam

This is one of the VERY few occasions where I went to a restaurant before doing any prior research or even looking it up on the trusted Twitter. I was invited to a birthday lunch and I figured, if it is the birthday girl’s restaurant of choice, I shall not question. And so I ventured up north-ish to an area less traveled (by me) – Kensal Rise.

Jul 06, 2015

Felicia Tan

After many little lunches at Parlour, I finally booked the Chef's Table at Parlour for my birthday lunch celebration.
I first had a taste of Chef Jesse's food back in 2013 during the collaboration with Urban Woot Four Fridays - time sure has flown by...
Parlour has so far been my solo lunch spot, and I thought that it was time to bring along some friends to share the experience.

First up was McTucky's popcorn chicken nuggets - which unlike KFC's version, this had actual popcorn in it!
The chestnut hummus was very much a favourite for many of us, served with rosemary pitta bread. A step-up from your regular chickpea hummus.
Another yummy dipping dish was the taramasalata, topped with black olives.

Then came the 'Back Door' Smoked Salmon with crispy salmon skin served on a wooden plank, and THAT soda bread, which is one of my favourite breads. Another favourite (of many favourites) amongst the table was the duck liver pate with cold toast aka. 'yesterday's bread'. I've only just recently started liking pate, and this was definitely up my street, topped with crunchy bits of duck scratchings.

Another familiar dish was the Raw Vegetable 'Ravioli' with Goat's Cheese. A clever alternative if you happen to have missed out pasta on your shopping list. If you love goat's cheese as much as me, then you will probably love this. And for the skinny gym bunnies, well, vegetables are healthy, so it pretty much balances out the calories of the cheese...right?
The pork croquettes had a nice, golden coating, and was really tender and juicy on the inside. I eyed the dish hoping to swipe another one after my first.

And then it was eventually time for the main courses - each of us were served a different dish. And being the birthday girl, I was of course served the humungous Cow Pie.
I was already quite stuffed by that time, and wanting to save space for dessert (I knew what was coming...), I had a few nibbles and passed the rest round the table.

And then it was time for the Grand Finale...everyone put on your headphones!
Because everyone needs a bit of Mary Poppins and Willy Wonka in their lives.
Chef Jesse rolled out his art canvas made from (errr) kitchen foil, and started assembling our platter of desserts before us. For someone who has a massive sweet tooth even this was a bit to much for me! A table full of desserts enough to feed probably a dozen people... I will remember to bring some takeaway boxes next time.

An dining experience definitely worth trying out :)

Check out my blog for the full post with photos x

Apr 22, 2015

Andy Hayler

+4.5

Updated review of Parlour

Aug 14, 2014

Matt The List

I've just come home from an utterly bonkers and magnificent meal at Parlour in Kensal Rise. I'm writing it up straight away just incase I wake up tomorrow and I can't separate it from my dreams.

For three and a half hours, my sister and I were at the mercy of Jesse Dunford Wood, the mad scientist / stand-up comic / master chef / owner of Parlour (and Notting Hill's The Mall Tavern). I should say first that to experience what we experienced, you need to somehow end up on the chef's table, which I think you might manage by booking the Party Menu for a group. I don't really know, just make it happen. It's only going to set you back around £27 per head which, considering what follows, is utterly ridiculous.

Now I'm not going to give it all away. In fact, I could just stop there and ask that you trust me. But I can't help myself...

Over the first hour or so we made our way through eight starters. Jesse began with a cryptic talk about pacing ourselves, which we all but ignored right off the bat when he presented us with moreish McTucky's Popcorn Chicken Nuggets (with actual popcorn - take that, Colonel), and Chestnut Hummus in Sherry Vinegar with Rosemary Pitta Bread which the kitchen team happened upon when crucial chickpeas were accidentally left out of the mix.

"It's good, but it's not Hummus", said a table full of Israelis on a recent visit...

Space was then made for a slab of wood topped with Backdoor Applewood Smoked Salmon and Crispy Salmon Skin with Caviar. Short of following traditional Nordic smoking instructions, Jesse just chucks it on a plank at the end for good measure. We made quick work of it with Today's Soda Bread, which is so damn good that foodie friend Felicity Spector always buys an extra loaf to take home.

It was around about this point in the meal that Jesse casually wandered past with a cutlass. He muttered something about using it to chop pancakes. Just a normal day at the office.

Next came two beautiful, colourful dishes. The first was Jesse's lazy/playful take on Goat's Cheese Ravioli which swaps fiddly pasta for raw watermelon radish and suede, served on a bed of yellow raisins and capers.

"No pasta was harmed in the making of this ravioli" - Head Chef.

This was joined by a standout signature dish that his wife apparently married him for - Duck Liver Pate with Blood Orange Marmalade served with Yesterday's Bread (a crustier version of Today's). If it's good enough for Mrs Dunford Wood, it's good enough for Matt The List.

Right, where are we? Ah yes, here's an Eggshell filled with Stilton Custard and Hazelnut Praline, served with what some might call "a marmite-less twiglet". Jesse prefers "unravelled pretzel". Another kitchen mishap led to this nutty (and stinky) creation, and thank God. It was outrageously tasty, and possibly the highlight of the meal (on the sustenance-side of things).

That's the starters covered then. There was a brief pause before a couple of main courses arrived. On the Party Menu, you share all Starters and Puds but choose your Main in advance. Some of the popular A La Carte dishes turn up here, including the self-explanatory Cow Pie and the "Remarkable" Pork Chop.

As it was Shrove Tuesday, we were treated to Duck with Beetroot Pancakes alongside a glorious bowl of Sea Trout with Romesco Peppers and Monk's Beard. After the (welcome) barrage of funky starters, these were serious plates centred around generous portions of expertly cooked meat and fish.

Now, what happened next I can only hint at. I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise, but let's just say that dessert was something special. After warming up to Richard Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathustra", Jesse presented his 2015 Food Odyssey including Leftover Christmas Tree, Fisherman's Friend and Horlicks Arctic Rolls, Rhubarb Souffle, Giant Flaming Wagon Wheels, Naive Chocolate Salted Caramel Rolos, Chocolate Orange Battenburg, Dizzy Fresh Fruit, Kosher Black Pudding, Chestnut Macarons, a Pancake Cake and a Spoonful of Sugar!

If only he'd told us to pace ourselves.

After picking our chins up off the table, we did our best with the plethora of puddings in front of us (perhaps more manageable between seven) before tearing ourselves away to catch an Overground train back to more familiar junctions.

It was quite simply one of the best meals (certainly the most entertaining) that I have ever had. And that's without taking into consideration that it's far more affordable than most stuffy Tasting Menus that still require a trip to Chicken Cottage afterwards. What's more, the bottled beer list is great; the roasts look top notch; there's a £10 set lunch menu and an £18 dinner menu; and it's all very easy on the eyes, both in the décor and the gastronomy department.

Book Now. Dinner at Jesse's Chef's Table is an essential, unique London dining experience, but you'll also have a wonderful time if you go A La Carte, or even just pop in for a drink. Thank me later!

N.B. Parlour is closed on Mondays

P.S. If you like the look of Parlour, you should also check out The Mall Tavern

Feb 23, 2015

Maria Kuehn

+4.5

The first thing to smack you in the face as you enter the charming and spacious establishment that is The Parlour in Kensal Rise, NW London is the riot of colour. Exotic and wild flowers arrest your every turn and it's a wonderful touch to this most pleasing of pubs.

A sunny Sunday morning had brought myself and a pal here for brunch, having read a couple of very good reviews online.

We chose to eat outside where heaters were available should the need arise and comfortable surroundings and yet more flowers made for a very pretty setting.

A small and eclectic menu was handed to us by a very friendly waitress and both of us headed straight for the full English - a gluttonous breakfast consisting of hash browns, herby sausages, streaky bacon, mushroom, baked beans, tomato, hash browns and as much homemade bread and preserves that our bellies were able to consume. (£12.75)

When it arrived I thought it was just the most splendidly presented breakfast I had seen in a long time - I would venture to say it was extremely handsome, if breakfasts can be masculine that is.

Helping oneself to bread for toasting and a choice of papers was rather a nice touch and plunging straight into this Gargantuan affair I have to say I was very impressed indeed. Clearly quality is uppermost in the minds of the management team and it shone through in every ingredient on the plate. If I had a minor gripe it would be the rather mean quarter of tomato and the hash browns were a little limp and had no crunch on the outside. This aside, everything else was a delight for our stomachs and the service was outstanding.

I had a quick peruse at the splendid looking dinner menu and was informed that it changes constantly depending on what's in season. It was enough to lure me back in a heartbeat. Please take note, however, they are now closed on a Monday.

The Parlour

5 Regent Street,

Kensal Green,

London,

NW10 5LG

020 8969 2184

Feb 10, 2015

Dinner With Jo

"Guys, help yourself to toast over on the bread table. Any spread you could imagine. Only £1." Well if that isn't a good start to a brunch I don't know what is.

I just had a hearty breakfast at Parlour in Kensal Rise (next door to well known Paradise). I had smoked salmon with "that soda bread" to quote the menu, and side of mashed avocado. The soda bread did actually warrant its prefix; it was warm, crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside and really tasty. The smoked salmon was good quality and the mashed avocado seasoned well.

My brunch companion assured me her mashed avocado on toast was also lovely (it even came with flowers).

Good cappuccino too.

£17 each (including some extra drinks). Lovely relaxed atmosphere, trendy customers. Recommended.

Jan 29, 2015

Andy Hayler

+3.5

----23rd July 2014----

I am a long-standing fan of Jesse Dunford-Woods’ cooking, from the days of Mall Tavern to his newest venture Parlour. This was the first time that I had sat in the small garden at the back of the premises, which is a pleasant haven on a summer’s day., especially compared to the slightly gloomy dining room. The soda bread is made from scratch in the kitchen and avoids the dense texture can often mar this type of loaf (14/20).

A salad (£7.50) of summer beans, summer truffle and hazelnuts had a balanced vinaigrette dressing, tender broad beans and fresh leaves, the hazelnuts providing some contrasting texture, though as ever summer truffles deliver very limited fragrance compared to their costlier cousins (14/20).

Chicken Kyiv (£15) had a golden exterior, plenty of garlic butter inside to enrich the carefully cooked chicken, served on a potato cake with a base of coleslaw. The latter is in some ways the clever part, as the sourness of the pickle used in the coleslaw cuts through the richness of the garlic butter. This smart take on the 1970s cliché dish is enjoyable, neatly designed and cleverly executed (15/20).

Blackcurrant soufflé (£8) was light and airy and full of fruit flavour, cooked evenly through with a pillowy soft exterior; I have eaten worse soufflés in Michelin-starred restaurants than this (16/20). A chilli Arctic roll was another retro dish, but this was merely pleasant, the flavour just a little jarring when contrasted with the vanilla ice cream (13/20).

The bill, with one of the costlier wines on the list, came to £48 a head. The cooking here shuns luxury ingredients but is consistently inventive, clever and enjoyable. It is far more sophisticated than the pub setting would suggest, and it is excellent value.

----19th December 2013----

This was my second meal at Parlour, just before Christmas. Chef Jesse Dunford Wood moved here, to a location that an estate agent might describe as "north Holland Park" but in reality is Kensal Rise, from The Mall Tavern. Soda bread is made from scratch in the kitchen, not too heavy and with very good flavour (15/20). Scallops (£8.50) were served with mushrooms, a potato tuile wrapped around mashed potato and a sherry vinaigrette. The scallops were cooked nicely, the tuile was crisp and the sherry gave some balance to the dish; my only comment is that it was a very large portion for a starter, though that is hardly a complaint (14/20). A salad with fennel, carrots and mixed leaves and herbs was simple but nicely dressed (13/20).

Turkey Kyiv (aka Kiev at £15) was a seasonal take on the trademark chicken Kiev usually served here. Turkey is hardly the tastiest of birds, so frying it with a filling of garlic butter is about the best thing that could ever be done with it, avoiding dryness. What was impressive in this dish were the little touches: coleslaw was surprisingly good, its red cabbage crisp and with a precisely judged mayonaisse dressing, and on the side was a hash brown nicely flavoured with rosemary, crisp on the outside (14/20).

For dessert, cranberry and clementine jelly (£6) was an unusual dish, evoking childhood memories of jelly. However jelly was never quite like this, at least in my childhood, the fruit fresh, the texture light (14/20). Apple and blackcurrant soufflé (£8) was just as good as last time, cooked evenly through with light texture, the fruit just sharp enough (easily 14/20).

The bill, with one of the priciest bottles on the list and a glass of dessert wine, came to £65 a head for three courses, with drinks. Given the level of skill demonstrated in this understated yet delicious meal, this was a bargain. With a modest wine you could eat here for much less. A three course lunch is just £12.50 - Parlour magic.

Feb 14, 2014

Greg

+4.5

This place is tremendous. The food is cheap and very high quality. Best dishes are Cow Pie and Popcorn Chicken. Cow Pie is a wonderful large pie with tender beef and a bone marrow holding up the middle. Lot of umami. Popcorn chicken is little pieces of chicken on a bed of leaves with popcorn as well. The texture of the chicken is incredible. Prices are cheap too.

Service can be a bit slow and it's down a side street in the middle of nowhere not near a tube, but apart from that great.

Apparently the sunday roasts are great too, but I've only heard that from others not experienced it myself.

Oct 24, 2013

Leila Abu El Hawa

I don't have time to write a full review but just wanted to say the this place is fantastic. The food is always really good, I especially recommend the breakfasts and the Bloody Mary. The staff are warm, friendly and helpful. Gorgeous outside area. Love it and always recommend this place to friends.

Sep 29, 2013

Chaya Ko

Went there with some friends for lunch and ordered quite a lot of the main dishes. Their vegetarian portobello mushrooms wellington was really delicious. The texture and seasonings were spot on. The best vegetarian wellington I've had. However their other dishes 'according to my friends' were rather salty. The chestnut hummus starter was nice as well.

Vidhya Para

We actually went here for the tastefilm experience. I thought for a lot of money are we going to be disappointed and still hungry after. But we were surprisingly full. All the food was really yummy and the drinks were strong! One of my friends is Muslim and as the meat was not halal she had to go for vegetarian option, I believe the meat substitute was like a vegan option and she did not like it so didn't eat much of it that's the only negative we had. We watched bridesmaids I forgot how funny it is. It was really cool to have food and drink options in front of you matching with the movie as it played. I did not get to eat or drink anything from their main menu as we were advised not to spoil our appetite but they are not short of options I would love to go back for another taste film experience if not to just try out the menu. Its a lovely atmosphere with a homely feel to the venue.

Anjali Khera

Tucked off the main road, this “shabby chic” venue has a convivial atmosphere and delicious food (salmon smoked on site, sourdough bread baked on site) that is beautifully presented. Definitely a hidden gem!

Roxanne Panaite

As a big fan of Topjaw, I had to check out this place as well, while in London. And it did not disappoint at all, very delicious food, very lovely atmosphere inside and a cute, little garden area that will get you into that great mood right away! Will definitely come back! 😍

Blake Bath

I had the pleasure of attending the Taste Film experience at the Parlour in London. It was an immersive food and movie night like no other, where we got to enjoy a delicious meal inspired by the film followed by a screening of the movie “Chef” The industrial-chic venue was a great backdrop for the stylish event and the atmosphere was electric. I loved how each course was timed perfectly with the key scenes of the film, making the whole experience feel beautifully choreographed. Highly recommended for any movie and food lovers!"

Leslie Pang

They had a lovely beer garden to sit in, especially if the weather holds out. The food itself was great, it was a Sunday so we had a roast. The portions were generous and I was pleasantly surprised when I ordered pork roast, I got belly with the crackling, cooked to perfection. The complimentary bread was also fantastic. The mushroom wellington was also a fantastic option. My only tip is that if you don't like things sour, go easy on the sauce for the wellington. Otherwise, it's a great option for vegans

Marco Zojer

Best Sunday Roast I’ve ever had. Huge portions, great quality and service was very satisfying! Definitely coming back. We had the chicken and the pork roast.

Helena Hohl

The only downside was the green sauce with the veggie roast. It was a bit overpowering and the taste didn't go well with the rest of the roast . Other than that, great local pub for lunch

Agustín Binora

Amazing place for a great food experience. The veggie and vegan options are really nice. One of the favourites!

Birgitta Fredlund

This place just gets it right: friendly crew make your feel you walked into your second home, the food is so lovingly prepared and you can really taste the quality of the ingredients plus good wine and cocktails. Good for a party or with your friends or a quiet Sunday lunch for one with a good book as company. Relaxed Saturday early evening meal with friends. As always high quality food, drink and service (we had the tasty secret burger and a bottle of house red). And just so refreshingly unpretentious and friendly. My go to local, love it. Adding top score for their Sunday lunch, it's soo good! The pork is the juiciest with proper cracking, beef is perfectly cooked and the portions are so generous and welcoming.

Kashan Piracha

Lovely little place with good food and service and a gorgeous courtyard in the back to eat in. Must try spot. The house bread was really special. Also the Ceviche and tomato salad. Menu changes frequently I believe.

Lila Redman

We had Sunday roast and it was lovely, very generous portions and kind staff. Would have loved if the gravy was slightly thicker and the beef was sliced a bit thinner as was quite thick and hard to cut through! Apart from that a great place!

Gemma Herens

Good brunch, lovely atmosphere and family friendly! English breakfast was a very generous portion with good quality produce. Toast and hot cross buns were served alongside the full english breakfast. Really enjoyed the outdoor section for breakfast and my son loved his popcorn chicken meal. Great choice and good option for all families looking for a local gem.

Cian Daly

Went to the Shrek Taste of Cinema event here and it was a really fun and memorable experience! Getting different themed delicious food at relevant moments during the viewing (like a delicious dragon fruit cocktail when the dragon first shows up) is such a cool unique experience, I'd highly recommend! The service was quick, the staff were friendly and very accommodating and the host was a natural and made the event that much more enjoyable! If you're in London check out this event for sure or you'll be missing out!

Matt Edgson

Hosted a birthday party here and the staff were lovely, very accommodating and did everything they could to make us feel welcome. And cheap drinks! 100% would recommend.

Alex Dingwall

Couldn't fault this for a Sunday Roast. Food was fab, service was impeccable, attentive but not in your face, efficient but with personality - couldn't ask for more. Starters were fresh, interesting, and very moreish. Shared mains platters just made sense, particularly when the meat was cooked that well (pork perfectly crackling crunchy, beef rare and succulent). Kids food was that perfect mix of sophisticated (looked good to us parents) and unfussy reworks of classics that kids love. Company was good, too!

Fatima Serghini

This cozy restaurant pub has left the best impressions! The food is absolutely amazing – everything we tasted melted in other mouths. Hospitable hosts, beautiful presentation, wide wine list and wonderful dessert. I recommend it to everyone! I would like to come back here again and again.

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