I love Kensington High Street at Christmas. The decorations are luxe, the restaurants go all out and even the side streets go the extra mile. I also like to be nosey, peeking into the stunning, townhouses to see how they’ve decorated for the season. I’ve always thought of it as Oxford Street’s more elegant, easier-to-navigate sister, because let’s face it Oxford Street is harder to complete that Tough Mudder at this time of year.
Once you’ve had your fill of Christmas shopping, you will be wanting somewhere cosy to plonk your bags and refresh yourself. Just moments from the High Street’s boutiques, Kensington Church Street offers a welcome change of tempo. This cobbled, pedestrianised stretch has an almost cinematic quality at Christmas, the kind that makes you momentarily believe you’re living inside a particularly tasteful Christmas card.
It’s here that you’ll find Bottega 35 formerly Zuaya, and the latest opening from the Emerald Hospitality Group. The transformation is impressive, shifting from bold Peruvian Amazonian vibes to something much closer to a Tuscan villa. Inside, the softly blasted plaster walls create an effortless warmth, textured and inviting without feeling too contrived. The interiors strike that elusive balance between contemporary cool and genuine comfort. A muted palette anchors the space, while thoughtful, homely details bring the simplicity to life.
The menu leans confidently into Italian classics. You’ll find the usual antipasti and salads, alongside grilled meat and fish dishes. However, it was the pasta that caught my attention. We started with Burrata and Arancini, comforting and well-judged dishes that felt refreshingly removed from the heavy Christmas flavours dominating menus at this time of year. For mains, I honed in on the fresh homemade pasta, with the Carbonara taking centre stage. It was rich, indulgent and deeply satisfying, just as it should be.
Dessert brings a touch of theatre. The Tiramisu is prepared tableside, a small yet charming flourish that feels celebratory, and a gentle reminder that this is West London, where even the finishing touches are done properly.
Outside, the heated terrace offers one of the loveliest spots in the neighbourhood during the festive season. It’s quietly removed from the bustle, yet alive enough to remind you that you’re somewhere special.
Bottega 35 doesn’t just serve food; it offers a feeling. At Christmas, it feels entirely at home in Kensington, relaxed, elegant and exactly where you want to be.
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebthere
