Last Updated on December 14, 2024
The Knight of Notting Hill, a Revival of Nostalgia, Music, and Gastronomy
Ladbroke Grove was my teenage stomping ground, I revelled in everything the area had to offer from Portobello Market to the pubs, clubs and the fantastic music scene. The Knight of Notting Hill is a brand-new free house gastropub which brings back all those memories. It serves an exciting array of offerings, including delectable pub fare, crafted cocktails, artisanal beers, quality wines, and live musical performances that extend into the late hours.
The opening of The Knight of Notting Hill marks the dawn of a fresh chapter in the history of one of London’s most iconic taverns. Formerly recognised as The KPH, this venerable Victorian pub, which has stood proudly on the intersection of Ladbroke Grove and Lancaster Road for 157 years, has been a stage for numerous legendary musical performers, including Tom Jones, who graced its stage with his inaugural performance in 1960, along with The Clash, Phil Lynott, and Paul Weller, among others.
Zora Singh, the proprietor, has opened his second free house pub venture in just two years with The Knight, and he envisions it as the beginning of an expanding collection of free house pubs, each thoughtfully tailored to cater to the specific requirements of the local communities they serve. Notably, the first in this series, 3 Falcons St John’s Wood, earned a glowing review from Giles Coren.
The Knight of Notting Hill skilfully blends its original Victorian charm, showcasing wrap-around etched glass windows, neo-classical columns, a mirrored bar, ornate floor tiles and oak wood flooring, with dark wood panels and elegant Autumnal wallpaper in a warm palette of brown hues. Complementing these timeless features are contemporary glass chandeliers and dramatic colourful floral arrangements. The comfortable interior offers banquette seating and marble-topped tables, and there’s an excellent sound system designed to elevate the experience of live music events.
I visited on a Saturday evening; the atmosphere was buzzing, the tables were almost full, and a DJ was at the ready. Little did I know it was the night of the Rugby World Cup, featuring an intense match between Ireland and New Zealand. We quickly caught on to the enthusiasm of the event, and even though I’m not a die-hard rugby fan, by the end of the game, we found ourselves fully engrossed.
Cocktails include a house signature, The Knight: tequila, lime juice and Cointreau, and a selection of classics, I began with my favourite aperitive, a Negroni, whilst my sister who was visiting for the North was spoilt for choice when choosing a gin, opted for the Ophir and tonic.
The well-executed menu comes in different sections – nibbles, small plates, fish, plant-based and meat options all designed to appeal to the eclectic mix of locals and tourists. There are several Indian dishes on the menu including Old Delhi Butter Chicken with Butter Paratha as well as pasta and British classics. Food comes when it’s ready, so it’s ideal for sharing.
We munched on a fragrant dish of Bhel Puri with a sweet raw green mango coriander chutney, which brimmed with flavour, and a bowl of crisp and moreish tempura whitebait, drizzled in a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy date and tamarind chutney.
Next a delectable lightly spiced smoked haddock kedgeree, with perfectly cooked creamy rice, garden peas, a runny hen’s egg with deep orange yolk and generous flakes of haddock. And a spectacular wild caught juicy Madagascar Tiger prawn dripping with a garlic and herb sauce, served with toasted sourdough, just delicious!
Paired with a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc Pionero Miranda Chile, light, dry and crisp notes of grass, citrus and peach.
And finally, a generous slice of cherry bakewell with thick clotted Cream and an indulgent Tiramisu, both wonderful comfort puddings, ideal with the winter drawing in.
We loved the traditional pub atmosphere at The Knight and the food was fabulous. As it rekindles its tradition as a live music venue, it will be worth looking out for future events. There’s a promise of rappers, singers and DJs playing into the night with their late-night license until 1 a.m. I know I will be back.
The Knight of Notting Hill
139 Ladbroke Grove,
Notting Hill
London
W10 6HJ
Very disappointed with the food presentation and the waiting time to eat. We were starving with 2 kids. We waited about 45 minutes to eat a Sunday chicken roast , fish and chips and marguerita pizza. Our plates looks like a kids meal with a burnt yorkshire pudding with a very poor gravy without a taste not even a salt. I did complain but the lady said the food was like that. Overpriced!!!! I will never go back to this place
As you may have noticed, we didn’t review the Sunday lunch there. I’m sorry you were disappointed in what you were served – but the dishes you talk about are not on their menu (There’s no sunday lunch, no pizza and no fish and chips?). Perhaps you were at a different restaurant?