Being January, it’s safe to say that Kensington Street Social is this year’s most sought-after dining experience. Then again, after trying the restaurant’s yogurt mousse with lemon curd, drizzled over a scoop of fresh basil sorbet, atop a malt meringue disk, it may as well be December.
As one arm of the recent revamp of the Old Clare Hotel, and situated in the up-and-coming Kensington Street precinct, this trendy café-restaurant-bar mirrors the aesthetics of the two, being part dilapidated warehouse, part old but elegant hotel lobby.
Spearheaded by English, Michelin-starred chef, Jason Atherton, Kensington Street Social marks the first Sydney venue for the highly acclaimed chef who, in the last five years, has opened over 15 restaurants in five different cities.
With a Michelin-starred chef at the helm, and with Robert Daniels (ex-Coogee Pavilion) and Tony Gibson (Manly Pavilion) behind the pass, it’s no surprise that the menu is a culinary delight.
Atherton was strict about following the Australian seasons and showcases Australian flavours as well as local produce where possible. You’ll find Paroo Kangaroo served with soured sweet potato, cider poached pear, wattle seed and land cress, as well as Queensland’s Vanella burrata stuffed inside vine tomatoes and drizzled with 25 year aged balsamic vinegar – even the toast with preserves uses Eastern Suburbs’ famous Iggy’s sourdough.
Come breakfast time you’ll be presented with a concise menu reminiscent of hotel offerings but with an added touch of elegance. Bircher muesli is served with pineapple and mint and the English breakfast comes with wild mushroom tea and bone marrow toast, but there’s still the bacon and egg brioche roll for the more traditional eaters.
Designed to be a casual, local watering hole, with a touch of the chefs’ fine-dining roots, Kensington Street Social has a little of something for everyone. No matter if you are jetlagged, woke up late, arrived famished at odd hours of the day or are just meeting friends for a drink or bite, Kensington Street Social is a hotel restaurant for the local.
Kensington Street Social
Address: 3 Kensington Street, Chippendale, NSW 2008, Australia
Website: kensingtonstreetsocial.com
