Launceston Place has just unveiled a vibrant and fresh new look, following the success of their appointment of head chef Ben Murphy earlier this year. The spring refresh of the 1839 Kensington townhouse aims to infuse the restaurant with a brighter, more contemporary feel, in keeping with the lively changes brought to the menu byBen.
Opened in 1986, Launceston Place is tucked away on the pretty residential Kensington street that is its namesake. Its rejuvenated look is cheerful and modern in style, including new, blue-veined timber floors and a light, fresh colour scheme of French grey.
Designed to be a blank canvas, this fresher palette provides the backdrop for the restaurant’s impressive new collection of contemporary art, curated by Islington’s Amar Gallery. Inspired by Ben’s culinary creativity and combining figurative expression with peaceful minimalism, the collection includes paintings by Korea’s minimalist artist Lee Ufan, and London-based illustrator and painter Howard Tangye. Meanwhile, intricate and hand-painted murals planned for the staircase walls will be unveiled this summer.
In a nod to spring and the rejuvenated new interior, Ben has made some delicious tweaks to his menu, introducing seasonal dishes such as Asparagus, walnut and bacon, and Peach, jasmine and black pepper. These appear alongside his signature dishes, including the much-acclaimed Carrot with lovage, yoghurt and caraway.
D&D London’s David Loewi says of the refurbishment: ‘We’re thrilled to unveil Launceston Place’s new look; a hidden gem in a beautiful location, its contemporary, fresh and light design makes it the perfect setting in which to enjoy Ben’s modern European menu.’