The Bistro at the Gore, formerly the Bistro 190, was where British celebrity chef Anthony Worrall Thompson first made his mark in the 1990s. Since then, it has had its ups and downs but, judging from two meals sampled there recently, it seems to be on the up right now.
Focusing on modern English food, the menu, is relatively safe but varied and well presented. Peppered beef fillet with wild mushroom rosti was done exactly as I asked and served in a portion generous enough for the greediest diner. I enjoyed a fragrant, velvety roasted butternut squash and cumin soup and sampled a surprisingly delicious sweet potato and coconut soup. On another occasion, I sampled garlic and chili prawns with selection of toothsome and nutty roasted vegetables.
Main courses range from about £11.50 to £23.50 and there's a good value, two or three course pre-theatre menu. Last orders are taken at 11 p.m.
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Bar One Ninety
There aren't many smart cocktail bars in South Kensington so the Bar at One Ninety is popular with locals as well as visitors. It is busy most nights but really hums on concert nights. Comfortable leather armchairs and sofas, as well as rich oak panelling could give the place the feeling of an old fashioned club but there is nothing old fashioned about the long, glittering bar, lined with a huge selection of spirits. There are 33 different vodkas, 24 rums - including the lethal Bacardi 151 and smooth Caribbean Mount Gay, 18 single malt scotches, 9 bourbons - fancy a Pappy Van Winkle anyone. Barman Albert a deft mixologist, keeps the atmosphere friendly and serves up a mean Mohito.
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