Acorn House Restaurant

Happy to say Acorn House is back on form! Last time I went, some months ago, I had such a lacklustre experience I was really put off going back. But this week’s menu looked pretty good, so I thought I’d give it another try — and it was pretty good. Lovely sourdough bread with salted butter, for a start — then my friend had baked goats cheese with blood orange and chicory which she made short work of — then we both had pasta dishes. She had the hare papardelle — I had some leek and ricotta ravioli, which were maybe slightly on the delicate side (the butter sauce could’ve done with much more of a nutmeg kick) but a fair portion — in the past I’ve had teeny plates of ravioli masquerading as a main course, but not this time. I had some roasted parsnips on the side — hard to choose just one of a tempting list of seasonal vegetable sides… Then for pud (having sneakily sussed out the options on another table by casually walking past on the way to the loo…) I had the chocolate brownie — ginger ice cream on the side for my friend, due to my pathalogical dislike of freezing food… and a very good, warm and nicely squidgy brownie for me, even if it was somewhat eccentrically presented in two small slices in the middle of a massive dinner plate. I shall definitely be going back… the service was lovely, and lets hope the kitchen remains on form!

This was my second time eating at Acorn House. The food was delicious and I love that it’s all local! I had the Panzanella starter and a risotto main. Both were scrumptious and I devoured them. Our table also had two pasta dishes, one was lamb and one was veggie which I tasted and were both quite good. The only down side for me is when the place isn’t busy you can feel it. Almost like being in a classroom, sitting in a large empty room due to the white walls and big windows. But it was a Tuesday so I’ll give them that.

Probably one of the best choices for a nice dinner in the immediate area around Kings Cross. The starters we had were much more memorable than the main courses, but all four dishes we ate were tasty and well prepared. I like that its eco-​conscious but doesn’t get «in your face» about it. You could easily eat here and never know that everything is sustainably and locally sourced. There were several tasty vegetarian options then night we went, which I appreciated, and the menu looks like it changes with the seasons. Lots of asparagus on the menu this week because it’s high season. The prices are reasonable, the service is good, and the portions are generous. Actually, the portions for the starters sort of bordered on American-​sized (i.e. monstrous). No room for dessert that night we went, but the sweets menu certainly looked inventive and tasty. Definitely one to keep in mind if you are in the area.

I’ve been here several times. The food is always interesting and well-​executed, and the prices are outstanding for the quality. I think it’s actually owned by one of the gay charities. Service faultless — a very cool, grown-​up place to eat. Here or Konstans are the two places to eat around here

Before my last trip to London, I started asking questions about local produce. One of the most knowledgeable women I know in the British capital wrote me, «Okay, so there’s not that much ‘local’ produce in London, but there is a great restaurant (Acorn House) that sources all its food within the M25, which is pretty special.»
Further research revealed that in December 2006 The Times called Acorn House «life and death important. Because it is London’s first truly environmentally sustainable restaurant.»
Obviously, I had to go and see what all the fuss was about!
We had the place practically to ourselves on a Saturday at half past 7:00 which seemed surprising to me given the inviting atmosphere.
I was disappointed to discover they didn’t have the Burrata they boasted on the menu and substituted a poached egg in my starter instead. A nice alternative for sure but when you want silky, succulent Burrata, nothing else will really do.
The fish I had for my main was both a sight to behold and consume.
Dessert was less memorable.
Acorn House is quite close to Kings Cross so arriving via Tube is easy peasy. And on your way out, make sure you get some of Acorn House’s erstatz matchbooks (you won’t be lighting any candles with these): they’re actually ready-​to-​plant acorn seed sticks!

Went for lunch, would love to come back for dinner.
Feels posh without being posh. The food is fairly simple, well presented, well-​cooked, and solid. Slightly experimental without being too much so. Excellent wine list, typically overpriced, though that’s a London thing… And fantastic, delicious bread. Not a huge amount of food, but the variety made it more satisfying.
Also, the business is a social enterprise — training eco-​chefs. This isn’t the easist thing to do by far.

Went for lunch. It has a nice sophisticated atmosphere. Nice place for a good business lunch – the place is spacious and airy with modern décor. I ordered the mix of three salads – they were good – a pepper salad, a cauliflower salad and a cucumber salad, but so not substantial! I practically had to trip the waiter to bring a basket of bread to fill the gap in my hunger. My colleague got salmon, but for 20£ for lunch – ouch!