Chapel Market Kitchen – London (UK)

As much as I miss having world-renowned chef Maoz Alonim in Cambridge (I wrote about his previous restaurant here), I know that London – specifically Chapel Market in Islington – is where he’s meant to be. The aptly named Chapel Market Kitchen reflects Alonim’s market-led style – a focus on produce sourced as fresh and local as possible. Add a wonderfully diverse wine list (cleverly described as “unruly”) and this small, vibrant restaurant offers the full food and drink experience.

Chapel Market Kitchen London exterior night

Chapel Market Kitchen London bar

Chapel Market Kitchen London interior 3

It’s a sleek, contemporary space with large windows, beautiful artwork and cosy seating areas. The bar is the central hub where guests can watch the chef at work and admire the fresh loaves, oysters on ice and wine bottles on display. The basement kitchen boasts an impressive custom-made grill.

Chapel Market Kitchen London oysters

Chapel Market Kitchen London interior 2

Chapel Market Kitchen London interior 1

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Kingston Arms. Kitchen, Hummus and Wine – Cambridge (UK)

UPDATE: This pub is now under new ownership. It has no in-house food offering.

The circumstances that brought Tel Aviv chef Maoz Alonim to Cambridge may not be food related but it was inevitable that he would eventually open a restaurant and contribute to our flourishing foodie scene. Alonim is one of Israel’s most famous chefs renowned the world over for founding Basta in 2007, a small restaurant and wine bar in proximity to Carmel Market in Tel Aviv. With produce straight from the market’s stallholders only a few steps away, the menu changes daily (sometimes twice a day) and consists of main headings with handwritten dish updates. This is Alonim’s concept… a creative menu led by fresh, seasonal ingredients paired with an impressive wine list. And this is precisely what he has brought to Kingston Arms, located just off Cambridge’s vibrant and diverse Mill Road.

Kingston Arms Cambridge exterior 33 Kingston Street

Always one to defy expectations, Alonim defines Kingston Arms as Kitchen, Hummus and Wine. He has even gone so far as having the serving presentation designed for their hummus and pita, a clever combo of zisha (Yixing clay) bowls with a round cork cover that doubles as a board for the pita. More on the amazing hummus later!

Kingston Arms Cambridge bar seating

This independent pub is a real food and wine lovers’ gem. The interior is warm and inviting, with tables by the windows and back door as well as bar seating for perhaps a more wine or beer focused experience. There is a large walled garden with heaters that is pretty much rain proof, a definite advantage for a business that opened during the pandemic. The staff are so friendly and welcoming and there are knowledgeable sommeliers for their well curated wine list.

Kingston Arms Cambridge garden

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