Archangel in Kensington, London

Fluid Eating's Review of Archangel

The Archangel is situated opposite the Royal Garden Hotel on Kensington High Street, just a 5 minute walk from the tube station. Spread over three floors, the venue boasts a basement nightclub with a 2am licence and 250 person capacity, ground floor bar and seating area, and a flight of wooden stairs at the far end leading up to the impressive Conservatory and Cocktail Bar with a large glass ceiling.

A Bohemian style décor echoes throughout with unique mirrors, paintings, rugs and chandeliers that look like they may have been gathered from flea markets from someone’s exotic travels. Deep red walls and candles add to the relaxed ambience that invites you to chill out and catch up with friends.

My friend and I visited on a Thursday night, and although it was reasonably quiet there was a nice buzz about the place. After a day at the office the cocktails looked very tempting. I opted for the venue’s signature Archangel, after being won over by the original list of ingredients including, strawberries, basil, cracked black pepper, rum, peach liqueur, pineapple juice and cachaça. It was garnished with a whole strawberry wrapped in mint and had a very crisp, fresh taste. A definite must try. My friend opted for one of her favourites, Black Apple Mule, which is a mix of apple vodka, blackberry puree, fresh lime, ginger puree and ginger beer. She assured me that it was a winner and after sampling it, I have to agree.

The vast drinks menu is Archangel’s main selling point. The discerning drinker couldn’t fail to be pleased by the great selection of different rums, gins, tequilas, scotch malts and bottled beers available; cocktail lovers will revel in the plethora of classic and contemporary mixes; and for those with something to celebrate, there’s a selection of champagnes.

The food menu offers a broad selection of bar snacks including olives and homemade falafel, and for larger appetites, a choice of burgers, sandwiches and mains – including baby squid and the comfort food favourite, fish finger sandwich. There is also a good choice of shared platters and a children’s menu. Food is reasonably priced and served from midday to 1am Monday to Saturday and 12.30am on Sunday, so there really is no excuse to head to grab a dodgy doner on your way home.

I chose the RedVeg burger, largely because it was advertised as ‘probably the best vegetarian burger you’ll ever taste’. It consisted of a double burger in a seeded bun and came served with a more than ample portion of fries. I’m not sure it was the best I have ever tasted, but it satisfied my taste buds and didn’t disappoint. My friend’s choice, however, looked and tasted fantastic. She opted for the Tuna Nicoise Salad; I had earlier shunned it presuming it would be the usual meagre tinned tuna offering. I was very wrong. The dish, consisting of a grilled tuna steak, cooked to melt-in-the-mouth perfection, sautéed new potatoes, free range boiled egg, olives and mixed seasonal salad leaves, was of a generous size and induced a serious case of food envy in me. My friend rated it the best she’d tried and was still raving about it the next day. Judging by the number of different tables tucking enthusiastically into the nachos, it was obvious that that is also something they do very well.

The Archangel has a lot more to offer than the usual bar and restaurant. Theme nights such as Tango every other Sunday and a range of DJs catering for a variety of musical tastes, from reggae to club classics, ensures that there is something for everyone. The staff are friendly and approachable, and although we spent a while pondering over our food and drink choices we didn’t feel rushed. In fact, if it hadn’t have been a ‘school night’ we could quite happily have relaxed into one of the cosy sofas for a while longer and sampled a few more of the delicious cocktails.

Gabrielle Sander (Updated 02/07/2008)

Archangel Food & Drink Menus

Listed below are few sample food and drinks items available at Archangel. These lists are not enhaustive, but are instead designed to give you an overview of the venue's offerings and assciated prices.

The menu is stacked with tasty, filling, generously served bar food, freshly made with the finest, local (where possible) ingredients. There is also a good choice of shared platters and a children’s menu. Food is served from midday to 1am Monday to Saturday and 12.30am on Sunday.

Archangel Food menu

The vast drinks menu is one of Archangel’s strengths. The discerning drinker couldn’t fail to be pleased by the great selection of different rums, gins, tequilas, scotch malts and bottled beers available; cocktail lovers will revel in the plethora of classic and contemporary mixes; and for those with something to celebrate, there’s a selection of champagnes.

Archangel Drink menu

Archangel Special Offers

Offers and specials for members. to become a member simply drop into the bar and fill out an application form.

Archangel Map

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“Not a bad bar to get some late night drinking in on High Street Ken. Gets busy and the music is loud enough to make talking impossible but it's alright. Cocktails are made well, but could be a tad stronger...” Rating: — Jo, London (29 Nov 2009)

“Nice bar on Ken High Street but £4 for a coke & a latte is a bit steep me thinks. Especially when the coke is tiny - topped up with ice. Only plus is the outside seating, but then there are only two tables so you have to be lucky.” Rating: — Gem, London (10 Oct 2009)

“I have no idea what the last dude was on about. I went to Archangel for the first time a few months ago and have been back 3 or 4 times since. It's the friendliest bar in the whole of Kensington, NOT PRETENTIOUS AT ALL! Infact I think they go a long way to show all their customers that they're not trying to be Amika or 20, they are just a friendly charming bar to have a great cocktail, (especially if you get there in time for half price drinks!) and have a boogie downstairs if you fancy it. Thumbs up here.” Rating: — Archie, London (04 Jan 2009)

“The cocktail list at Archangel looks impressive. Unfortunately, in reality, they taste very average - and at £8 a pop way overpriced. The staff were rather rude and unhelpful and overall the place felt rather pretentious.” Rating: — P Harrison, London (20 Oct 2008)

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