KCR Summer 2025 Mag V2 - Flipbook - Page 51
Greek Sparkle from
Myrtos
The Knox
Myrtos is one of those eateries that many a local within SW3 and surrounding areas may try to keep to themselves as a destination restaurant
merely reserved for their own personal social endeavours. It is a class
apart and does a wonderful and refreshing version of modern Greek cuisine. Unfortunately, at Kensington and Chelsea Review, we are all about
divulging secrets to our readers within the Royal Borough and London
and far beyond and so now you all know. The Greek art of hospitality
and is well and alive, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Asimakis Chaniotis, who is a dedicated forager and 昀椀sherman plus handily, a hunter
and winemaker as well. His art of doing food in a modern way is deeply
connected to nature and respects the value of fresh, native ingredients.
The Myrtos adventure actually begins well before the remarkable star
of the evening, the food, even comes into play. The Brompton Road
setting, only just a walk away from South Kensington tube, is splendid
of course but it’s the calming interior design and thoughtful native
touches within the restaurant that set the heart racing and appetise the
senses to a Greek feast. There is an elegance to Myrtos that needs to be
experienced to be felt right from the statuesque quality lent to the sta昀昀
with their brilliant, cream uniforms to the bigolive tree that graces the
centre of the dining hall. A feeling of calmness is inevitable once you
glance upon the beautiful faux-waves dotted about the ceiling and the
arty hues that grace the canvases and glass on the walls. Daphne, Panos
and the other beautifully presented waiting sta昀昀 were around to cater to
your smallest of needs and their unbounded zeal to ensure the patron’s
satisfaction is a joy to experience. Panos informed me about Asimakis’
passion for Myrtos and how it 昀椀lters down to everyone within the team.
He told me that he works from dawn till dusk and beyond and sometimes goes to the 昀椀sh market early in the morning to source the best
seafood. Anything to further to boost his immaculate 昀氀avour and put
the best of modern Greek cuisine on a plate.
Of course, it’s all more than worth it. The food is nothing less than
sensational at Myrtos and we begin with Bread Basket, Dorset Snail
Pita and traditional salad with crusted black olives. The subtle beauty of
Lobster with pasta is divine and we’re further reminded of the enchanting force of Asimakis’ wizardry with the sweetness of Greek donuts and
pistachio cake at the end,
A couple of boozy tips here – whether you like Bloody Marys and whether you’re in need of a hair of the dog or not (lunches are an absolutely
fantastic idea at Myrtos), give it a go! Its is a most unique take on that
classic of morning cocktails that you’ll ever try. Mindblowing and that’s
all I’ll say. Rosemary Paulina is another winner with white tequila and
Espadin mezcal.
Asimakis earned his 昀椀rst Michelin star at Pied à Terre at the age of 27.
Having honed his skills and bided his time, he’s 昀椀nally birthed his vision
of Greek cuisine at his own amazing restaurant. It is hardly a secret but
if you’ve heard it here 昀椀rst, go have a lovely lunch or dinner at Myrtos.
We can’t stop extolling its virtues.
Sid Raghava
MYRTOS 260-262 Brompton Rd, South Kensington, London, SW3 2AS
T | 020 7052 0100
I remember a time when the streets of Kensington and Chelsea used to
be dotted with several late-night bars. These were usually short-lived yet
legacy-leaving haunts that lit up Kings Road and surrounding thoroughfares criss-crossing Fulham Road and Old Brompton and spreading all
the way to Portobello Road in North Kensington. So I was overjoyed to
have discovered a new, hidden gem in the hippest part of the Borough.
The Knox, the stylish speakeasy Miami/Cuban/70’s/80’s/Disco located
in the basement of the equally hip Sloane Square Hotel. It is a refreshing return to the sexy, sassy and stylish bars and clubs of the 90’s and
noughties with a retro trip that will get your party senses racing with a
vintage twist. The bar o昀昀ers a relaxed service on weekdays and is closed
Sundays but Fridays and Saturdays bring a rotating residency of DJs
spinning disco, funk and old-school beats - vinyl only, obviously - and
there are also some rather exciting, upcoming cocktail workshops. The
beautiful space is also available for private hire, parties and corporate
events for up to 120 guests with a VIP section that hosts 25.
The lucky residents at Sloane Square Hotel are handed a key at checkin that grants them exclusive access to the Knox. Once inside the
library-themed lift, you press the disco ball button, follow the discreet
red disco signage, and let themselves in. Other than guests at the Hotel,
everyone is welcome to join the mystery in the Knox by descending the
red velvet stairs behind the black door. Inside are the hidden jewels The Knox cocktails that have been meticulously mastered by their bar
wizards with a nod to the vibrant 70/80s Miami club scene. Cleverly-monikered heavyweights include Disco Inferno, Tipsy Flamingo and
Yayo Mule which add perfect sway to the soundtrack of disco, funk, and
old-school beats.
And whilst you sip on those delectable tipples, you notice the hazy red
hues, glowing neon, the retro-futuristic décor, the red, velvet curtains,
the funky beats and the hip folk and it all instinctively clicks into place
– it is a truly fantastic late-night experience right in the heart of Chelsea
just like old times. KCR Readers – I urge you to ‘descend’ to The Knox
and experience it for yourselves.
Sid Raghava
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KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
