Tucked into one of London’s most elegant postcodes, The Kensington Hotel is a discreet haven of five-star comfort, residential charm and refined hospitality. At its culinary heart is Town House — the hotel’s inviting dining destination — where Executive Chef Isabela Tavares-Vaz leads the kitchen with warmth, precision and a vibrant global sensibility.
Originally from São Paulo, Isabela brings an international perspective shaped by her time in some of the world’s finest hotel kitchens. Her culinary style is confident, feminine, and light — a philosophy that quietly infuses each plate with beauty and intention. Now at the helm of Town House, she has launched a fresh, seasonal menu full of expressive dishes, elegant seafood, and playful flavours.
We caught up with Isabela to hear more about her roots, her new creations, and what’s next for this charming corner of South Kensington.
How did it all start?
In the kitchen with my grandmother. She cooked what I loved – rich, traditional Brazilian dishes with beef – food was her love language. I studied marketing at The University of Mackenzie, Sao Paolo, where I cooked all the time for my peers. Food became my love language, and I decided to pursue cooking as a career. I’ve always aimed to be a strong leader, and that’s why I suit and relish being Executive Chef.
Tell us all about your new menu
It’s very seasonal. Summertime has given me the opportunity to bring a lot of seafood to our latest menus, such as Pan-Seared Sea Bass & Brown Shrimp with caper butter sauce, Kalamata olives and sundried cherry tomatoes (on the set lunch menu), and Grilled Octopus with new potatoes and chorizo (on the à la carte menu).
How do you bring your Brazilian heritage to your cooking?
I focus on freshness, colours and femininity. My dishes are often light and playful, such as our Beetroot Carpaccio with burnt figs, rocket and Grana Padano.
What tableside theatre can guests expect to see in the bar and restaurant?
The Martini Experience is the perfect end (or start!) to a meal, with a tableside trolley for bespoke creations by our expert bartenders.
We heard you do a great Sunday Roast. What is your favourite?
I love our Blythburgh Roast Pork Belly – I think it’s one of the best Sunday Roasts around, served with Yorkshire pudding, seasonal vegetables and bottomless roast potatoes.
Favourite restaurant in the UK?
La Mia Mamma in the King’s Road. I love their concept of bringing ‘mamas’ from different regions of Italy. Again – lots of love in food!
What is next for you and The Kensington?
I’m incredibly excited about our Marie Antoinette-inspired afternoon tea – “Let Us Eat Cake” – a French-inspired feast available from 20 September 2025, with a focus on decadent desserts. It is a complement to the new exhibition coming to the nearby V&A. We will then launch a very special Truffle Season menu in October (dishes such as Truffle Fettuccine, and Beef Fillet Carpaccio with Parmigiano and Shaved Truffle). It’s going to be a very busy autumn, including an American Thanksgiving menu in November, leading to our festive Christmas focus.
For more information, visit The Kensington Hotel
Ver esta publicación en Instagram
All Images Courtesy of The Kensington Hotel.