There’s a subtle luxury in the location of Linnea. You can find it tucked away on the corner of one of Kew’s quaint streets- hidden from sight as it melts into its background. If you’re walking there head-on it’s hard to miss, otherwise you’ll need a keener eye. You’ll be forgiven to think that this is a nondescript place to grab lunch, as unless you know about the restaurant and its interior you’ll be none the wiser.
On second sight (the beautifully designed interior), my mind was changed and the location seemed like the perfect place for a romantic and dimly lit gastronomical escape. I was happy that not just everyone and anyone came here- it is a much more exclusive and intimate experience. If you’re wondering where the name Linnea comes from then worry no longer! It’s a national flower of Sweden and fits in well with its setting in Kew (eh hum, Kew Gardens…).
Linnea seems understated and simple from the outside, yet when seated you’ll find yourself in a soft, intimate and close to seductive atmosphere. This is the perfect place to take your other half for an intimate evening. If you want to spend it alone I recommend getting there early as the crowd makes its way closer to 7.30 in the evening. Make sure you take along someone you know very well, so the silences are comfortable rather than awkward.
If you have any questions then don’t hesitate to ask the waiter as he is extremely knowledgeable and can tell you about how each dish has been sourced and made. This also extends to the Michelin trained chef, Jonas Karlsson, who greeted me at the end and made sure our evening was well spent. Of course, his impeccable cooking aided in the overall great evening.
The soft music being played in the background adds to the exclusivity and intimacy of the evening- especially as the waiting staff adjust the volume of their voices to the tranquil and hushed tone of the restaurant. Linnea is definitely a place to whisper sweet nothings and truly enjoy one another’s company.
It’s quite dark inside as the lights have been dimmed. Lanterns and candles bring soft lighting to this comfortable space, while the pillows add to the homely feel. I wish my living room and dining room combined was a bit like the sultry inside of Linnea. The candles added a rustic touch to the overall ambiance of this aesthetically pleasing restaurant and set the perfect tone for the meal to begin.
Linnea’s menu is extra special as it’s changed every month and adjusts to the season. The extremely helpful and efficient waiter told us that all of the options available to you are fresh and all of the food is made on-site. Apart from the bread, but we don’t mind as we’re so in love with the olive bread that we’ll let that pass.
The minute we took a bite of the soft starter we knew we’d made the right choice. As Linnea only hosts a temporary menu the selection is specific but somehow the choice wasn’t made easier as everything sounded appealing. We went for the smooth Dingley dell pork and pistachio rilletes, toasted sour dough and crunchy gherkins (£6.50). I was treated to some specifics into the making of the starter and told that it is made especially in oil and stock, then pulled and seasoned, adding pistachio. To accompany this delicious starter we were recommended the Secua Sweet Chardonnay. Another option for the starter that we loved was the Cured Loch Duart salmon and potato pancakes with mustard and dill (8.50), which is extremely filling and you won’t be able to stop eating.
For mains we indulged in the Roast turkey with apricot and onion stuffing, chestnuts, beans and gravy (£17.50). This warmed us right up but the additional twist was the chestnut flavoured mash; for once, the sides had us entranced. The turkey was succulent and veered away from any dryness and complemented the South Australian red wine served to accompany it. Other main options were pan fried sea bream with prawns and mussels, wild mushroom risotto and a salmon and cod fish pie among another two options.
I can never resist something with a touch of chocolate and so for the dessert we went with the gooey Chocolate fondant with bay leaf icecream (£6). This is definitely not a choice to make after eating every single bite of your previous courses. Made of rich and thick chocolate, the first bite of the fondant was a well-needed hit for me (chocoholic alert). Other delightful dessert options were Carrot and cinnamon cake, Pineapple and mango mess, homemade icecreams or sorbets, and a cheese trio with fig chutney.
Of course, now that it’s a new season there’s a new menu, but don’t let this deter you. If we’re going by the standards of our meal, you’ve got an appetising treat awaiting you in Kew.
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