Lunch at Babylon, Kensington

Earlier this week we jumped on the train from Cardiff for a much needed day out in London, it feels like it's been forever since both John and I have had the chance to be back in the Capital together, in fact when you have a family it can be a bit of a struggle having any quality time together. We think it's very important to make time for yourself as an individual as well as a couple so when Virgin Experience Days asked me to choose an experience I thought would be perfect for treating the man in my life in the run up to Fathers day I couldn't wait to surprise John.

I am fully aware of how much John does, he works long hours and happily gives any of his free time to spend with our sons and very rarely complains, he is in all honesty a very dedicated father so it was wonderful to raise a toast to him over a three course lunch in the beautiful surroundings that is Babylon, a Roof Terrace on the 7th floor overlooking Kensington.

The entrance to Babylon is just off Kensington highstreet and you take the elevator up to the roof terrace on the 7th floor with stunning views across the city. The staff were exemplary right from the word go, not once did we have to pour our own wine or sparkling water and they where all extremely knowledgable about the menu, the ingredients and service was seamless throughout our meal.

As soon as we sat down we where offered some freshly baked herbed bread with olive oil and some sparkling water while we decided on what to have from the lunch set menu. We both went for the same starter, the vegetarian option of poached egg on baby asparagus and spring onions and pea style mini falafels which was beautiful presented and a we both enjoyed every single bite. Our meal was accompanied by an Italian white wine as recommended by our waiter.

All the dishes were perfectly proportioned, the starter was just enough as we like to enjoy each course as they come without getting to full to early on into the meal. For the main I went with the Beetroot and Halloumi Koftas on a pea puree served with salad leaves and it was delicious, with a hint of heat it felt indulgent without being too heavy. John opted for the Slow roasted Pork Collar which he said was cooked to perfection and beautifully presented.

Onto desserts and John had the roasted apricots and cream while I had the loose salted flapjack with caramelised bananas and rum ice-cream, we both took our time to enjoy and savour each mouthful, throughout our meal we could not fault the food which was served straight from the kitchen to our table. To end off our relaxing lunch we enjoyed an americano with some Petit Fours as we soaked in the atmosphere of this bustling and vibrant restaurant which attracts some very stylish clientele as well as families.

After our meal we went for a little stroll around Kensington, such a beautiful London borough dotted with private parks, beautiful townhouses and amazing boutiques. There really isn't anywhere like London, so colourful and exciting and we are actually here later this month for a few days and if we have time we may pop back to Babylon as well as The Roof Gardens which was having a private at the time we were here as apparently they have four resident flamingos we would love to say hi to.

The Babylon 3 course meal with a bottle of wine, coffee and petit fours costs £85 from Virgin Experience Days and we highly recommend it, if your looking to eat somewhere really special with faultless service, fresh food and a stunning location then this would be perfect, especially for Fathers Day

Thanks to Virgin for inviting us to experience Babylon.