Food / Wine

The Commander in the heart of Notting Hill

By No author
18/03/2009

A great new concept in the heart of Notting Hill. Not only does it offer a welcoming oyster bar and delicious, unpretentious restaurant food, including  seafood and burgers with tasty chunky chips, but it also hosts in its courtyard a famous butcher, a friendly fishmonger and a charming florist.
I first went to the Commander on the day it opened. I was looking forward to the amazing seafood I was told I would found there. They also had a 50% off promotion which they justified by saying they were not 100% ready and therefore customers would not have to pay full price if the service was not of high quality. I have to say they were right. The food was great but the service, I am afraid to say was very very poor. I then returned in the first few weeks to check how things were changing and finally attended their official opening nearly a month later. The place was absolutely packed, champagne was flowing and the oyster bar was in full swing. I have since returned on many occasions, mainly for lunch, and the service has improved every time to finally become what you would expect of this type of establishment.
 
What I like so much about the Commander is that it has a cosy, relaxed atmosphere. They sell fish and meat by weight, with next to it the cost of preparation, which is a great idea. One thing that I have yet to be impressed about is their desserts. There is quite a margin for improvement. Other pluses:
- A crèche for the kids for parents to relax whilst finishing their meal (perfect also to keep noisy kids away from diners)
- Rooms to rent for private dinners or business meetings. The rooms incidentally are lovely and one in particular is designed for exhibitions/Company AGM/presentations/screenings
-All the upstairs rooms are air conditioned
- Their very comprehensive wine list
 
All in all, there wasn't anything like the Commander in the area and this is a long awaited new comer.
Try the oysters (they are sold individually so you can choose to have 7 if you want instead of the usual half dozen).
The burgers are a must.

Their lunch menu is well worth trying at £13.50 for two course.

Evening Meal for two approx. £90 including wine

 

Address and how to get there