Ognisko
South Kensington, London
A short walk from South Ken’s world-famous museums and the Royal Albert Hall, Ognisko is located on the ground-floor of a grand stucco building that’s also home to the long-running Polish Hearth Club – founded in 1939 by Polish expats in a gesture of wartime solidarity. To enter, push open the thick curtain at the entrance and take time to look at photos of a visit by the late Queen Elizabeth II before moving into the restaurant – a spacious, high-ceilinged room with white walls, wooden furnishings and heavily clothed tables. The mood is warm and sociable, with an easy-going bar as well as a covered terrace at the back overlooking a quiet square. Hearty soups are just the ticket as the nights draw in – try the split pea version or the classic barszcz (beetroot soup with sauerkraut and mushroom pasztecik plus a dollop of sour cream). This is also the place to enjoy dumplings (pierogi, pelmeni) as well as placki (potato pancakes) and blinis. Elsewhere, generous chunks of smoked eel arrive with potato salad, while pickled vegetables get a lift from horseradish. To follow, hearty traditional specialities such as Polish sausage, schnitzel or choucroute of pork neck rub shoulders with lighter, modern European ideas including roast cod with spelt and mushroom risotto. The cooking is consistently good, set lunches are great value, and service is a paragon of Polish hospitality – welcoming and accommodating. Vodka, in all its intoxicating varieties, is the tipple of choice – although there is plenty to tempt if you delve into the moderately priced, Eurocentric wine list.
Dining Information:
Private dining room, Separate bar, Outdoor dining, Wheelchair access, Dog friendly
55 Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2PG
020 7589 0101
