Fast-moving chef Abbie Hendren has opened her debut restaurant in Kew, having moved on from Sally Abé’s well-regarded Teal in Hackney, where she was head chef at its launch in March.
She has joined Trindle Stores, a two-year-old family-run grocery and coffee shop in Kew Village, the cluster of small shops around Kew Gardens station, a few minutes’ walk from the botanic gardens’ Victoria Gate.
Before joining Teal Abbie had already made her mark as head chef at Sam’s Waterside in Brentford and as a contestant representing London on Great British Menu. Born in London, she grew up partly in Australia but has made west London her territory, having also worked at the Glasshouse in Kew, La Trompette in Chiswick and the Petersham Hotel in Richmond.
She says: “I’m so happy to be working with Cam and Scott Trindle on this project. Trindle Stores has already established itself as a great neighbourhood coffee spot in Kew and adding a food offering on top of that is the next evolution. We want the food to bring a bit of the countryside to London and reflect the space. Simple food, sustainably sourced and served in an environment that welcomes everyone! That’s what food and hospitality is all about – bringing people together.“
Inspired by chefs like Alice Waters and Skye Gyngell, Abbie wants to create a community-focused business and has partnered with nearby Chiswick House kitchen garden team, buying their produce to help support their community schools programme.
Her menu is inspired by modern British and Mediterranean cooking, with dishes like beef fat waffles with creme fraiche, garden herbs & trout roe; roasted delica pumpkin with brown butter, sage and pickled walnut; devilled crab crumpet; mushrooms on toast; and desserts including a fig and pistachio tart and blackcurrant leaf fudge.
Breakfast and lunch are served from Thursday to Sunday, along with monthly supper clubs, with full evening service scheduled to start next year. Abbie will also be hosting collaborations with guest chefs.