Fenwick launches Fuego in Kingston

On Saturday 29th October we were invited along to try the new Fuego by Fenwick restaurant on the first floor of Fenwick department store. 

As one of its own restaurant concepts, Fuego Kingston is the fourth site to open unde the Fenwick brand following openings in Newcastle, Bracknell and Brent Cross. The design-led, new restaurant offers a selection of all-day tapas, generous sharing charcuterie and cheese boards, traditional tortillas and stone-baked and Napoli-style sourdough pizza.

Locals to Kingston will be introduced to much-loved Fuego classics that pay homage to the Mediterranean including Jamon Ibèrico Bellota, an acorn fed Pata Negra ham aged for three years, gambas a la plancha with garlic & chilli and a courgette, apple & Ibores salad with Chardonnay dressing & truffle oil. For Autumn/Winter 2023, seasonal dishes include crispy sea bass in a light kataifi pastry and mojo verde mayonnaise and a vibrant beetroot salad with yoghurt, almonds and molasses.

Not knowing what to expect we were surprised by the lay-out of the restaurant. Fuego Kingston by Fenwick features a light-filled, open-plan layout, complete with a sit-up champagne and cocktail bar serving classic aperitifs, including a Fuego margarita with chilli salt, alongside house recommendations featuring gin and vodka martinis. A selection of freshly-made, non-alcoholic cocktails include a passionfruit cooler and mint spritz. An extensive new wine list is available with all bottles listed available to buy in the store’s Wine Room.

On arrival, we were greeted and given a choice of where to sit. We could have sat at the champagne bar but decided on a table and we were met by our waiter Antonio and offered a glass of Champagne. we weren’t going to say no to that.   Antonio’s knowledge, not only of the menu, but also of the ingredients is second to none. His job was not just to take our orders but to guide us on a culinary journey through the menu.

Being lunchtime and out in the evening we didn’t want to have to much so went for the Fuego Selection Sharing Board with charcuterie, cheese, tortilla, courgette, apple & Ibores salad, beetroot salad, molasses & yoghurt, marinated gordals, harissa-roasted squash & feta toast. We also picked Crispy seabass, kataifi pastry & mojo verde mayonnaise also Pork belly pinxo and a Garlic & mozzarella sourdough. Being Tapas we thought that would be enough not to much. We were wrong. The portions were bigger than we expected.  

The flavours were amazing and each time Antonio was on hand to describe the sauces and what was on our plates. If I had one moan, and it is only one, I never understand why with tapas, a dish for sharing, the pork and the sea bass came as 3 items and not 4, especially as we were a couple. We ended up fighting who had what as they were both delicious. 

We were stuffed but I spotted on the menu Rice pudding brûlée served chilled with orange & pistachio. Now if there is one thing I can’t turn down is a rice pudding and the combination of a rice pudding brûlée with orange & pistachio I somehow had to try. I was not disappointed. The crunch of the brûlée revealed the rice pudding and the taste was amazing. I seriously think I would go back just for rice pudding it was that good. 

A series of interactive masterclasses and events are scheduled to run across all Fuego by Fenwick restaurants throughout November and December. These include sommelier-hosted wine pairing evenings, offering guests the opportunity to try a selection of handpicked wines, and cocktail masterclasses in partnership with climate-positive British brand Sapling Spirits.

Conclusion:

Would we go back and the answer is definitely YES. The minute you walk into the restaurant you are whisked away from the hassle and bustle of the shopping centre to an elegant restaurant where you can sit, relax and enjoy wonderful food and wine.  

The cost was very reasonable considering the portion sizes and the quality of the food. It’s a place we would visit during a long day shopping or for a special treat and we would highly recommend it next time you are in Kingston.  It is such a relaxing place. To see the full menu CLICK HERE

Please Note we were guests of Fenwick and the meal was complimentary. This in no way affects our review. If it was poor we would say