The Lavery
South Kensington’s Newest Destination for Design-Led Dining
Tucked just behind the Natural History Museum and moments from Exhibition Road’s cultural landmarks, The Lavery is South Kensington’s most elegant new opening—a restaurant, café, and events space rooted in art, history, and hospitality.
Occupying a restored terrace of Grade II-listed Georgian townhouses, the building once served as the studio and residence of Anglo-Irish painter Sir John Lavery (1856–1941). His portrait sittings with celebrated subjects—including his wife, Lady Hazel Lavery—set the tone for what this address has always offered: poise, beauty, and an intimate sense of grandeur. Now, under new stewardship, the house is reimagined as a serene and sumptuous space for a different kind of gathering—those centred on flavour, atmosphere, and modern luxury.
A Celebration of Character and Craft
The Lavery’s interiors are a masterclass in quiet elegance. Designed in collaboration with Daytrip Studio, the mood is warm and timeless, with heritage details—ornate plasterwork, baroque mirrors, timber handrails, and ironwork balustrades—meticulously preserved. Period features frame the experience, while carefully sourced design pieces from 20th-century institutions such as the Hotel Excelsior Venice, The Groucho Club, and La Chaux-de-Fonds provide layered texture and history. A custom zinc bar acts as the anchor of the space, inviting guests into a dining room that moves effortlessly from daytime light to evening intimacy.
Elevated Simplicity on the Plate
At the heart of The Lavery is its restaurant, helmed by Yohei Furuhashi, whose past includes nine years at The River Café, alongside time at Petersham Nurseries and Toklas. Furuhashi’s menu is firmly rooted in Mediterranean seasonality, layered with flavours and ingredients from across the British Isles—including produce sourced directly from Balcaskie Estate in Scotland, a leader in regenerative agriculture and home to the acclaimed Kinneuchar Inn.
The menu is daily-changing and ingredient-led.
Highlights might include:
• Baccalà mantecato with polenta and broad beans
• Pizzette bianca with zucchini, wild garlic, and stracciatella
• Potato gnocchi with fresh peas, hen of the woods, and ricotta salata
• Pork chop with braised endive and Dijon
• “Lavery Mess” with pomelo and passion fruit
The drinks list is concise and expertly chosen. A European-focused wine menu balances familiar varietals with lively Orange blends, while the cocktail offering leans on perfectly made classics—Negronis, Martinis, Manhattans—delivered with understated confidence.
A New Cultural Interlude
With its location just steps from the V&A, Natural History Museum, and Royal Albert Hall, The Lavery is set to become a new essential stop for both locals and the international crowd drawn to South Kensington’s cultural mile. Whether for a long lunch post-gallery, an evening cocktail in a beautifully lit room, or a private event with tailored hospitality, The Lavery offers a refined yet approachable space designed for today’s discerning diner.
The Lavery
4 & 5 Cromwell Place, London SW7 2JE
www.thelavery.co.uk
Photo credit: Henry Bourne