Late night dinner after touring all day. Started with main as I wasn't super hungry. The lamb steak was good. Very juicy fat on the outside with that wonderful lamb flavor. Apple tart was desert and it came with a very thin crust. I'm used to a thicker crust but this had a wonderful flavor. The cream on top was light and fluffy.

Minutes away from Gloucester road underground station and situated inside the design inspired boutique Rydges hotel. The jam cupboard restaurant lies in the heart of Kensington and Chelsea.

Having been invited to try out the new winter menu at the jam cupboard, and attend the Christmas press party held at the Rydges. It was a pleasure to bring my friend “T” along with me.

After a short train ride to Gloucester road, we were excited about the buzz of being in the Chelsea area. Groups of people in their fancy tux and gowns roaming the streets eagerly excited to get to their destinations.

Upon arrival to Jam cupboard, the place looked like a modern trendy looking bar from the outside, there were a few diners inside, and the place was nice and quiet. The smartly dressed waiter greeted us efficiently, handing over the menus.

He didn’t quite understand what I meant when I requested the winter menu, however we were presented with the set menu. For 2 course meal £15.50, and 3 courses it was £19.50.

http://www.rydges.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/set-menu-Nov-2012.pdf

I was immediately drawn to the Pumpkin risotto with sage and thyme infused olive oil.

The pumpkin risotto was presented beautifully on a large white plate garnished with watercress on top. The strong smell of Parmesan cheese, filled my nose, I just couldn’t wait to try the dish. The flavoured creamy sauce and the dense texture of mushrooms, along with the sweet flavoured pumpkin, all of these flavours and textures were hit the right places satisfying my tongue.

“T” was pleasantly surprised with the Black pudding croquettes with herb mayonnaise, I too agreed. The crunchiness of breaded croquettes, filled with black pudding the herb mayonnaise was creamy and paired well.

For mains I went for Pan roasted salmon with warm butterbean and garlic cassoulet and “T” had Confit of chicken with grain mustard sauce, roasted potatoes and tender stem broccoli.

The salmon was arranged on top of the bed of butterbeans. Bright pink with a crispy skin, the combination of tender butterbeans and the very rich garlic cassoulet was wondrous.

Lastly for desserts we had, the inner child in me had my eyes on the Sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream and “T” had Chocolate mousse with winterberry compote & vanilla cream.

The sticky toffee was presented in a small square portion, with the toffee sauce, and the smell of the vanilla ice cream hit me first. The vanilla ice cream was laid on top of breaded ginger biscuit crumbs. The cake was lovely and moist, but the toffee was runny and didn’t had enough flavoured. The ice cream was delicious, with the ginger biscuits. I just wished there was more of the ginger biscuits.

We loved this place. Stopped in on the way to the tube station from our hotel for coffee/croissants. Light, trendy decor, art, and helpful staff. One of the managers gave us some excellent tips about how to structure our sightseeing and was delightful to talk with.

The service was excellent as it was very friendly and quick. I had crashed avocado on toast with poached eggs, which was delicious. Easy going place, stylish and quiet.

Lovely breakfast, good food, relaxed, great start for the day. The full buffet is a bit pricey, but didn't need lunch!