Inside abc kitchens at The Emory

Ina Yulo Stuve tries abc kitchens, the newest restaurant concept at The Emory by world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten

abc kitchens at The Emory: Everything You Need To Know

From pizza parlours to moody speakeasies, there have been a number of establishments promising to bring a slice of the Big Apple across the pond. A notable name on the Manhattan dining scene is none other than Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The acclaimed chef has a slew of restaurants in the bustling NYC neighbourhood, and this year, he decided to bring three of those concepts – farm-to-table cuisine from abc kitchen, plant-based dining from abcV, and Latin American flavours from abc cocina – together under one roof at The Emory, the first all-suite hotel in the capital which opened in May of last year. Part of The Maybourne Group, which has the likes of The Connaught, Claridge’s, and The Berkeley in its portfolio, this new addition brings a more modern flair. It runs on 100 percent renewable electricity, houses a Tracy Anderson fitness studio, and has works by Damien Hirst peppered throughout the property. 

We walk into abc kitchens, a vibrant space set on the hotel’s ground level where floor-to-ceiling windows give diners the perfect view of Hyde Park and the busy pedestrians heading towards Knightsbridge. The space is swathed in earth tones like burnt orange, pale yellow, and beige, giving a vibe that’s more Oaxaca than West London, with Hirst making an appearance once more, this time in a series called The Secret Gardens Paintings. 

As we settle in, a sommelier offers a glass of Laurent-Perrier’s Héritage cuvee and is on-hand throughout the meal to help with pairings. Most tables are filled to the brim with small plates which are shared across the table and are ideal for getting a taste of all three concepts. Menus with global cuisines have a tendency to become rather muddled, but at abc kitchens, the high quality ingredients shine through with every bite. Winning dishes include a fresh and tangy tuna tartare, a comforting arroz con pollo with delightfully crispy chicken skin, a playful salted caramel hot fudge sundae with candied peanuts and popcorn, and a bright coconut panna cotta with tropical fruits and a yuzu sauce.  

The Lowdown

Where is abc kitchens located?

abc kitchens is located on the ground floor of The Emory at Old Barrack Yard, SW1X 7NP.

Who is the chef?

Jean-Georges Vongerichten is the Chef Patron at abc kitchens, while Head Chef Ben Boeynaems (who has previously worked for Gordon Ramsay, Eric Chavot, and André Garrett) runs the day-to-day operations.

What’s the price range?

Snacks start at £19 while mains averaging at £35-45. 

Is it pet-friendly?

Only assistance dogs are allowed in the dining areas.

Do they serve vegan and gluten-free options?

Yes, they do. There’s also an entire section of the menu dedicated to vegetarian dishes.

Book your table and see the full menus at the-emory.co.uk