CORE

One of the hardest reservations to get in London, I only managed to snag a table at CORE by pure luck and a well-timed social media outreach. This meal was special for a couple of reasons. First, it was the meal to carry me over the 100 Michelin star milestone! Second, this was the my first visit to a 3 starred restaurant led by a female chef (of which there are only 7 in the world as of writing this post).

The dining room at CORE was very comfortable. Refined and beautiful, but somehow relaxed and cozy. While most of the patrons were dressed formally (men in jackets), the ambiance still felt more homey than most 3-starred restaurants I have been to.

We ordered ordered a couple of cocktails and selected the “classics” tasting menu. Here is what we had for our dinner on August 19, 2025:

Isle of Harris scallop tartare, sea vegetable consomme, wild sorrel

“Potato and Roe” - Dulse beurre blanc, herring and trout roe

Roasted cod, Morecambe Bay shrimp, swiss chard, brown butter

Norfolk purple-top turnip, walnuts, brassica leaves, nutmeg

Herdwick lamb, Oakchurch beans, peas, mint sauce

“Core Apple” - Toffee, Somerset cider brandy

Hertford cherries, meringue, almond and anise hyssop

Of all the Michelin starred meals we had on this trip to Portugal and England, CORE was by far my favorite. While it did not push the envelope with particularly creative or innovative dishes, CORE delivered a consistent menu of delicious and beautifully plated courses. Each plate was thoughtful, balanced, and highlighted local ingredients to an elevated level.

I was glad to have had a chance to dine here, and would consider a return next time I am in London.

CORE
92 Kensington Park Rd
London, United Kingdom
www.corebyclaresmyth.com