Essence at the Pantiles by Atul Kochhar

Review summary

1. C

   Catherine

   London

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What a find! Outstanding service, stylish surroundings and absolutely delicious food. We had the lunchtime set menu which was great value. Can't wait to go back.
   

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2. l

   louise

   VIP

   Kent

   159 reviews

   5.0

   159 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   2nd time here, this time with friends and ordering a la carte as opposed to the tasting menu (which we'd had on our first visit.) Started with cocktails in the bar area then took our table. The Gewurztraminer we chose from the wine list stood up well to the spice of the dishes. Which were all fantastic - I personally had the Keralan monkfish curry as main and some chill prawns to begin with which were both extremely moreish. It was our friends' first time here; we are all in danger of becoming regulars...5 stars all round.
   

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3. J

   James

   London

   4 reviews

   5.0

   4 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   In a town with surprisingly few upmarket restaurants in which to spend your money, Essence is a treat. Great food and charming service.
   

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4. T

   Tim

   London

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined on February 25, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Lovely food. The chilli prawn starter and the Chettinad chicken mains were both fabulous, Service was friendly, under stayed and the ambience was conducive to a relaxed evening
   

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5. J

   Jeanne

   Kent

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 25, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Drinks were expensive. Calamari was tough and chewy, rest of our lunch was delicious. Thank you for the anniversary cake
   

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6. C

   Christine

   Kent

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 24, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Wonderful food, beautifully presented, in a lovely space. The staff were friendly and attentive. One of the nicest lunches I've had, and very reasonable for the quality of the cooking. The lamb was tender, and the spinach side dish to die for! It's also a joy to have an Indian meal with an excellent dessert at the end. Heartily recommend!
   

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7. N

   Nicola

   Kent

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on February 22, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Lovely meal excellent service definitely recommend.
   

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8. S

   Sophie

   Kent

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on February 21, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great service, excellent food. Will recommend to others in absolute confidence that they’ll enjoy it as much as we did.
   

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9. S

   Sonia

   Kent

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on February 21, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Beautiful decor, superb service and delicious food!
   

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10. R

    Robin

    Kent

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3

    Good food, good service and good value. But I worry whether they can sustain this with so many seats. If it’s not full can they make a profit and if it is full can they sustain the service?
    

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