Set in the grounds of Kensington Palace, the venue, which is co-run by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) and its catering partner, Ampersand, is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea, and is set amongst the baroque architecture, vaulted ceilings and imposing colonnades.
Ricky Anthony, catering liaison manager for HRP, said: “We’re thrilled to have won this award. Dining at The Orangery is a unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else in London. We’re very proud of the distinct ambiance that the breath-taking setting, architecture, delicious food, fine service and history create.”
General Manager at The Orangery for Ampersand, Andrew Gittins, said: “We work very closely with our partners at Historic Royal Palaces to create a unique dining experience at The Orangery, so we’re thrilled to win this award. It’s the only royal palace in London where afternoon tea can be enjoyed all year round and our tables, dressed with crisp white linen and bespoke Kensington Palace china, add to the splendour of this special dining occasion. It really is so easy for guests to become absorbed in the venue’s historic atmosphere and forget that the hustle and bustle of central London is only a stone’s throw away.”
The venue was built in 1704-05 under the commission of Queen Anne, and was designed in the style of a grand palace to protect her majesty’s citrus trees during the winter. Also used to host alfresco court entertainment and avoid the rush of Whitehall, today the restaurant boasts a menu of locally sourced, British food and an afternoon tea that reflects its royal heritage.