Kensington Place

Set at the base of a concrete block, with large metal-framed windows, a vibrant mural at one end and statement designer chairs, Kensington Place feels more like the trendy canteen of an arts centre than an upmarket Notting Hill destination. The absence of soft furnishings means it gets very noisy - or buzzing, depending on your point of view - when packed with office groups and young professionals.

This is not the place for an intimate tête-à-tête, but the set menus make it an affordable option for an informal but special meal; just watch out for the wines, liable to bump up the bill considerably. The menu is big on fish, sourced from the adjoining fishmonger; meat dishes tend to be hearty, whatever the time of year. Mackerel escabèche was marinated carefully, without overpowering the fish, and pea soup was light and lemony. Fish pie didn't contain any shellfish (contrary to the waiter's description), but there were good chunks of salmon and smoked haddock, sweet leeks and creamy mash. Vegetarians don't get a lot of choice; the set menu option on our visit was the ubiquitous mushroom risotto.