Romulo Café was named the ‘Most Loved Restaurant in Kensington’ at the third annual Time Out Love London Awards. The pretty 70-seater Filipino restaurant is owned and operated by the former senior banker, Rowena Romulo, and co-director, Chris Joseph, and located on the famed Kensington High Street, opened its doors early 2016 and has firmly secured a place in Londoners’ hearts (and stomachs). The Time Out Love London Award, which recognises London’s best restaurants, shops, bars and cultural venues, is voted on by the public.

Romulo Café garnered the most votes among nine short-listed restaurants in Kensington, a district of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, hub of many of the capital’s iconic museums, embassies and the new Design Museum. Among the well-deserving awardees who boast some of the best dining experiences in this world food capital were Coya for Mayfair; Dishoom for Covent Garden and The Strand, and The Ivy Chelsea Garden for Chelsea.

Regular patrons of the café include diplomats from the Philippine embassy, businessmen, visiting Filipino and non-Filipino tourists and generally Londoner’s jonesing for or wishing to discover Filipino food authentically prepared by the Head Chef, Lorenzo Maderas. Mederas tickles palates and satiates cravings with heirloom Filipino recipes lovingly preserved by scions of the late General Carlos P. Romulo and his wife Virginia Llamas. It is the first branch of the Manila-based, eponymous family restaurant business launched by Rowena’s sister, Sandie Romulo-Squillantini and husband Enzo Squillantini in 2009.

Rowena Romulo

Said a proud Rowena Romulo, “My whole family and I are thrilled! We couldn’t believe a Filipino restaurant like ours could actually be in the running to win in such a competitive field.” Added Chris Joseph: “In London, Romulo Café has become a little patch of the Philippines and we are amazed at the sheer variety of customers we have been able to attract.”

Romulo Café London: www.romulocafe.co.uk

Address: 343, London W8 6NW

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RomuloCafeLondon

Twitter: @romulolondon

Instagram: #romulocafelondon

For more on Romulo Café restaurants in Manila, visit www.romulocafe.com