Burrata is banned at Julie’s. So too avocados. “Boring”, according to head chef Owen Kenworthy, who worked at Brawn and the Pelican before joining one of London’s most famous celebrity bolt holes. Today, the Holland Park restaurant is back, and back strongly, having opened and closed twice over in more difficult years. Debut restaurateur and long-time diner Tara MacBain overhauled the space at the beginning of 2024, re-energising the place by way of vintage pianos, considered artwork and a jubilant cocktail list, while respecting an old neighbourhood classic. And thanks to Kenworthy, a menu that is fun, affordable and comforting has arrived, with oysters, crab on toast, steak tartare and duck confit only a handful of heartening dishes. Julie’s started as a local hangout before turning into the sort of place Kate Moss wanted to celebrate her birthday. Today it would be fair to call it iconic – a place for long, boozy lunches, catch-ups with old friends and, yes, starry evenings.
