Shoty

If we knew there was a cosy Georgian restaurant in a basement in South Kensington, decorated like a grandparent’s front room, we would’ve saved ourselves a lot of money on emotional support scented candles over the years. But as comforting as Shoty is, the food is hit and miss, and even at its best—its crusty, namesake shoty bread—it doesn’t reach the heights of our favourite Georgian spots in London. It’s worth a visit if you’re in the area. If only to be surrounded by chintzy floral wallpaper, fringed lampshades, and cabinets stacked with teapots that transport you away from the bustling streets of South Kensington to the home of a storybook godmother. But we’d stick to the pastry section, sip a glass of wine, and pretend to watch the tv, before moving on somewhere else for dinner.

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

Food Rundown

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

Satsivi

Although a few of London’s Georgian restaurants do serve satsivi—chicken in a walnut and garlic sauce—warm, it’s traditionally a cold dish. But when we had it at Shoty, it was unpleasantly fridge-cold. There’s a lot of bone and not much meat, and the meat that is there is tough. Rather than a smooth, velvety sauce, this one was particularly grainy.

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

Shoty

Nice crusty bread served on a pretty wooden board. It’s perfect for tearing off chunks and mopping up sauces.

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch

Honey & Walnut Cake

The flavours of this honey cake are delicious—sweet, nutty, and moreish. But the pastry layers are dry.