Something of a country pub with regal character, The Hour Glass fits its Brompton Road setting well. A cosy winter refuge for the blustery day we visited, this plush pub continues the reign of gastro havens in Kensington.
The Venue
A deceiving road side spot from the outside, The Hour Glass welcomes you in to their traditionally inspired pub space on the ground floor. A room of darkened woods, plush leather seating and charming old fashioned aesthetic describes this space. A true places for punters to settle with a pint and somewhere that gives off the comforting air of your local. Hidden away upstairs is the restaurant side of The Hour Glass where a humble dining area unfolds with an open kitchen at the head of it. One wall is lined with dark panelled woods and the other white-washed with views over Brompton Road, making for one open yet intimate restaurant.
Classic interiors inspired by historic boozers.
The Food & Drink
With a kitchen run by the same folk behind the Brompton Food Market, you can be sure of a menu rife with seasonally prepared dishes that are both gourmet and homely. The open kitchen is always a great touch to see your dishes taking form right in front of you.
For starters we tried the Crab Toast with Sea Vegetables and the Potted Rabbit & Bacon Butter with Toast and Gherkins (both £7.50). Perfectly portioned to start the evening and beautifully home made. The choice of mains satisfied the traditional boozer get up of The Hour Glass whilst offering something that's both distinctively influenced by the countryside. The Flat Iron Steak with Dripping Chips, Bone Marrow Gravy & Watercress (£18) was a piece of medium cooked, juicy heaven. Recommended by the kitchen came the Feathered Game Pie and Mash (£14) - the definition of winter warming and cooked to tender acclaim.
With just enough room to share a dessert we tucked into the Chocolate & Porter Cake, Cornflake Ice Cream & Honeycomb (£6) to find rich and gooey mouthfuls of homemade pudding.
Plates cooked to perfection.
The Atmosphere
Even heading down on a Tuesday night we found The Hour Glass pleasantly buzzing. With a dining area that's not too big, you can find yourself having what feels like a gourmet three course meal in an incredibly laid-back atmosphere. The ambiance is reminiscent of a charming country boozer with a modern sensibility.
A traditional London boozer with a sophisticated yet relaxed build.
The Summary
Plating up hand crafted dishes of gastronomic perfection, The Hour Glass wears both its pubbing persona and modern dining physique well offering not just a place to prop yourself up with a pint but also somewhere to indulge in fine foods.
