Do you like the sound of getting your teeth into a brisket burger made from 100% Red Tractor British Beef, grilled over coal for an authentic taste? Perhaps a vegetarian meal sounds more appealing to you. If so, a traditional Margarita or a tantalising spinach and mushroom pizza may satisfy your appetite. There are many choices at the Greenport Kitchen of which I had the pleasure of attending the launch on Thursday 1st June. Situated on the quieter side of Waterloo Road, the Greenport Kitchen is away from the immediate congestion outside Waterloo station which allows for a more peaceful walk beyond The Cut.

Upon arrival, I received a warm welcome, a glass of bubbly and then I was introduced to the Greenport Kitchen team. Senior Sous Chef, Daniel Marsh gave me a personal tour of the kitchen. Guests in attendance could select anything from the menu compliments of Daniel. I felt absolutely chuffed. I opted for the mouth-watering ‘Super Chopped Salad’ consisting of lettuce, cucumber, tomato, kale, broccoli, beetroot, spinach and toasted seeds – An excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter option. What I liked about the menu, in particular, was the selection of meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes. I was hoping to find calamari on the menu, being a pescatarian, and knowing it is a popular choice. Nonetheless, I think it is important to try different dishes to avoid monotony hence a dynamic menu allows for a change of ‘foodie’ habits. There was a buffet of scrumptious small eats including fried chicken, mini burgers (although I haven’t eaten meat for months!) slices of margarita pizza, fried cauliflower coated in sesame seeds for which I opted and enjoyed. There was a healthy balance on the menu overall – and not just fried food. That said, the Greenport Kitchen concept is influenced by American tradition by offering a menu of all-American favourites crafted from high-quality British and Italian ingredients.

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The decor is modern with a contemporary open kitchen where Cotswold free range chickens, that are slow grown naturally, looked too good to eat on a Rotisserie to ensure optimal flavour. The venue itself is spacious, airy and welcomes a sufficient amount of natural light factoring in that ‘feel-good’ element. Let me not forget the beverage menu featuring sodas and shakes and hand-picked craft beers from the US along with a lemon Meringue pie which was on display as a teaser of course.

My guests and I had a good catch-up while experiencing quality hospitality. The experience was made even more memorable by Anthony Fletcher, Group Executive Chef. Not only did he treat us to shots of cherry coke (does Kill Bill spring to mind?) which went down rather well with our food, he escorted me into the lounge area of the Hampton by Hilton London. I had not the faintest idea the Greenport Kitchen was part of the hotel let alone called Assado previously, a Portuguese-inspired restaurant. The restaurant originally opened in 2014. Previous owner, Cyrus Todiwala reportedly said in an interview “Assado is used for breakfast in the morning and it has been difficult for people to understand that it is also somewhere they can have lunch and dinner…” On that note, Anthony Fletcher is now “delighted to show visitors what Greenport Kitchen Waterloo is all about. Highlights for food lovers include 6oz burgers made from 100 percent British beef, grilled over flaming coals in a Kamado Joe Grill for that authentic American feel.”

Written by @StyleIconNat | The Lifestyle Collective – “A Unique Expression of A Creative Power” | Photography @golleyslaterlondon.