In the last few years, London diners have witnessed the decline of soulless chain restaurants and seen them instead replaced by a growing trend of local, neighbourhood joints that foster a sense of community. In well-heeled Chiswick, The Silver Birch is a local opening that has joined in on the action, setting up shop on the area’s bustling high street.
The Silver Birch serves up a string of modern European dishes as part of a menu which evolves with the seasons, while dishes are crafted using ingredients that have been locally sourced where possible. With such an impressive commitment to fastidious sourcing, it should come as no surprise that the chef behind the food here is far from an amateur. Heading up the kitchen is Kimberley Hernandez, who has previously worked at big hitters St John and Dinner by Heston and was most recently head chef at Kym’s, Andrew Wong’s City spin-off of his legendary A.Wong restaurant.
Hernandez’s food at The Silver Birch appears simple, yet effective. On your visit, you might begin your meal with the likes of chicory with red pepper, feta and olives or perhaps beetroot with goat’s curd and figs. For your main course, you can choose between the likes of truffle chicken and dumplings or monkfish accompanied by braised peppers and fresh chorizo. To round things off, the pudding menu features the indulgent likes of a chocolate and orange knickerbocker glory or a selection of British cheeses if you prefer savoury delights.
The dining room is a relaxing, pared back space filled with a blend of dark woods and punctuated by pretty illustrations by artist Jessie Brown hanging from the walls. The Silver Birch also boasts a chef’s table which overlooks the open kitchen, if you would prefer a seat close to the action.