The Dock Kitchen is here to stay! Housed at Portobello Dock – the studio and showroom base for designer Tom Dixon – the restaurant was initially set up as a temporary intervention to make use of the old kitchen space. Its success since launching in September 2009 has now secured its permanent home.

DOCK KITCHEN

Wharf Building, Portobello Dock, 344 Ladbroke Grove (entrance on Kensal Road), London W10 5BU (020 8962 1610)

Portobello Dock was originally a Victorian canal dock rubbish interchange, and most recently Richard Branson’s headquarters and recording studios – home to the likes of the Spice Girls, David Bowie, and the Sex Pistols. Tom Dixon inherited the staff canteen, which was where the stars were entertained following the signing of their multi-million pound deals.

Dixon wanted to hold onto this heritage so called in the skills of chef Stevie Parle to create an experimental restaurant that would form a base for Stevie to write his first cookbook, and provide a work canteen for Tom Dixon staff.

Stevie is ex-Spotted Pig, ex-River Cafe, and ex-Petersham Nursery. He has lived and cooked in Sri Lanka, New York, Vietnam, and Japan, bringing global influences to the Dock Kitchen.

The bright and unpretentious space with its open kitchen, is decked out with Tom Dixon furniture and lighting. The designer’s complete product showroom is located next to the restaurant – see the review on page 32 of LDG.

The restaurant is open for lunch, and their popular themed Supper Club events take place on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8pm.