Origin Kensington
A new opening on the corner of Kensington High Street, facing Kensington Park and the Palace, is Origin Kensington led by executive chef John Serhal, the new restaurant of London’s 5 star Royal Garden Hotel.
The brief to Viewport was to create an environment that feels warm, comfortable, and contemporary while maintaining a restrained, minimal elegance. The design concept sought to act as a bridge between the bustling urban energy of High Street Kensington and the calm, natural setting of the park opposite. Expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing allows uninterrupted views and abundant natural light, softening the boundary between inside and out.
Photography: Michael Franke
The material palette is intentionally simple yet rich, layering natural finishes such as timber, stone, and woven textures. A lattice timber ceiling system defines the space while concealing services, creating a rhythm that unifies the restaurant. Terracotta-toned walls bring warmth and depth, contrasting with the cooler grey stone flooring. Subtle lighting is integrated throughout—pendant lamps, concealed strips, and table-level task lights—ensuring the atmosphere remains inviting both during the day and after dark.
Furniture selections emphasise tactility and comfort: oak dining chairs with upholstered seats, marble-topped tables, and bespoke banquettes upholstered in muted tones to encourage relaxed dining. Lounging areas with soft sofas provide more casual seating, blurring the line between a restaurant and a social living space. A long bar counter, clad in stone and softly illuminated from beneath, adds a focal point for pre-dinner drinks and informal gatherings.
Spatially, the restaurant is divided with lightly detailed timber and rattan screens, offering intimacy and privacy without closing off the space. This layering of transparency creates subtle zones for dining while maintaining a sense of openness and connection. The overall effect is one of understated luxury—where every detail has been considered but nothing feels excessive.
Origin Kensington represents not only a new dining destination for London but also a continuation of the Royal Garden Hotel’s tradition of blending hospitality with timeless design. By drawing inspiration equally from the surrounding landscape and the city’s urban fabric, the restaurant offers guests a calm yet vibrant environment that celebrates both context and cuisine.
