In an ever-evolving London hospitality landscape, Harcourt Inns stands out as a visionary group that merges classic British pub culture with refined, chef-led dining experiences. At the heart of this revival is a commitment to heritage, authenticity, and exceptional food — a formula that has allowed Harcourt Inns to transform historic venues into thriving neighborhood destinations.
Bringing History Back to Life
Perhaps the most symbolic representation of Harcourt Inns' ethos is the rescue and rebirth of the Kensington Park Hotel (KPH). Once a gritty music venue that hosted legends like Tom Jones and served as a haunt for The Clash, KPH was on the brink of fading into obscurity. In 2017, with the backing of concerned locals and music lovers, Harcourt Inns stepped in to preserve its 150-year legacy.
Today, the space has been beautifully reimagined. Downstairs retains its traditional pub spirit, complete with live music, while the upstairs dining room delivers a more elevated experience. With interior design by Liana Braune of Zaffera London, the space balances elegance and nostalgia — think dark wood panels, velvet drapery, and red leather banquettes.
A Culinary Vision Led by Top Chefs
At the center of Harcourt Inns’ reputation is its collaboration with renowned chefs, most notably Henry Harris, celebrated for his time at Racine. As Chef-Director, Harris brings a French-inspired sensibility to British dining, curating menus that are both hearty and elegant. Under his guidance, properties like The Coach in Clerkenwell and The Hero of Maida have developed into go-to destinations for elevated pub fare.
Take the Crown in Chiswick, the group’s fourth major opening. Led by Sicilian-born chef Daniele Zaffora, the Crown offers Mediterranean-leaning dishes alongside traditional Sunday roasts — a thoughtful fusion that appeals to local tastes while introducing a touch of continental flavor.
Meanwhile, at KPH, Ruairidh Summers, formerly of St. John, is steering the kitchen with a distinctive, seasonal approach. Dishes such as braised lamb shoulder with harissa and tabbouleh or duck egg mojama on toasted ciabatta showcase the group’s dedication to inventive yet accessible food.
Elevating the British Dining Experience
What separates Harcourt Inns from the rest is not just its food, but the entire guest experience. Whether you're sipping a glass of wine from their curated list at The Coach or enjoying warm, Cognac-soaked Madeleines at KPH, there's a genuine sense of care behind every detail. The service is warm and relaxed, the playlists are well-considered, and the lighting lends a cinematic glow to each venue. These are not just places to eat; they are spaces to linger, to celebrate, and to rediscover the joy of classic hospitality. As the Harcourt Inns experience reminds us, comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy and with a good Air Fryer, even indulgent dishes can be recreated with a healthier twist at home..
Part of a Larger Revival
Harcourt Inns is not alone in redefining what a modern London pub can be, but it certainly sets the standard. As Notting Hill continues to see an influx of trendy openings — from rooftop gardens like Skylark to produce-focused cafés like Natoora Counter — Harcourt Inns offers something enduring: depth, character, and roots.
Its impact can be felt in venues like The Falcon in Hertfordshire, where former Thackeray’s head chef Kieren Steinborn-Busse has crafted a seasonal British menu in a restored Grade II-listed building — a move that echoes the Harcourt Inns philosophy: respect for history, but always with an eye on culinary innovation.
What’s Next for Harcourt Inns?
With multiple successful openings already behind them — and more rumored for the future — Harcourt Inns continues to evolve. The team’s ability to strike a balance between tradition and creativity, comfort and sophistication, makes them one of the most exciting players in the UK hospitality scene.
Whether you’re a local Londoner looking for your next favorite spot or a visitor hoping to experience British pub culture at its finest, Harcourt Inns offers more than just a meal — it offers a story, a memory, and a seat at the table of London’s culinary renaissance.