Sip, savour, repeat – TEN11 makes its way from Abu Dhabi to London.
The United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom have long shared a special relationship. British expats have gone off in search of sunnier shores, while the Emirati royal family keeps London on their summer itinerary, rain or shine. They gave us Dubai chocolate; we gave them Marks & Spencer. They gave us Huda Beauty; we gave them, well, Dane Bowers. Now, TEN11, founded in Abu Dhabi, has made its way to Knightsbridge.
TEN11, the all-day café and restaurant, has officially debuted in the UK. The venue feels both central yet tucked away. It’s within walking distance of the UAE bank, Emirates NBD, and the place many of its customers seem to spend it at, Harrods. Even though it is located opposite Hyde Park, you could easily miss it – from the outside, it almost feels as though you’re stepping into a hotel restaurant. Step inside, and the space reveals itself as a charming, characterful café.
On arrival, we were greeted warmly by a host dressed in an elegant abaya-style cape, which flowed beautifully as she guided us to our table. We arrived in the evening, and it was on the quieter side, which might have been due to it being Ramadan.
Take your pick from indoor and outdoor seating. Inside, the interiors strike a balance between London modernity and Emirati tradition. Beautiful banquettes line the walls, soft sofas wrap around the space, and tall tables look out onto the windows. Shades of brown, green and white create a sense of peace and polish. Plus, if you want to brush up on your knowledge of the Middle East, the shelves are bursting with books celebrating the UAE.
At its heart, you’ll find the counter where you can order to go and ogle at the pretty pastries. We’d recommend lingering for longer, though. The all-day dining menu spans breakfast, lunch and dinner. Morning options range from Balaleet, an Emirati-inspired vermicelli dish with pistachio and saffron, to Shakshuka with roasted peppers and cream cheese.
We ordered the King’s Burger, which offers a refined take on a classic. Priced at £28, it elevates the humble burger, as its regal name suggests. Made with premium Wagyu beef, it also pays tribute to its original location with the addition of turkey bacon and truffle. While the bun could have been firmer, there was no scrimping on the fillings, which ranged from caramelised onions to Red Leicester cheese.
The Grilled Harissa Baby Chicken was soft and satisfying, and the marinade added a smoky, spicy kick. It was served alongside a tangy chimichurri sauce. On the side, we shared a plate of I-can’t-stop-picking-them-up Parmesan fries, and a fresh and flavourful Mixed Green Salad.
The desserts are where TEN11 in London shines, as these are unapologetically decadent. Dishes range from Kunafa Crème Brûlée to a Rose Brownie. We opted for the Vanilla San Sebastián Burnt Cheesecake. Big enough for two, it was comforting, creamy, and even crispy, served with chocolate sauce and a granola topping.
When it comes to drinks, TEN11 in London offers plenty of options. The mocktail menu features cool creations, and it made us feel like we were not missing out. We enjoyed the Marmalade Sour, made with egg white, marmalade, Pentire Blood Orange, lemon juice, agave syrup and grated orange zest. As for the hot drinks, there are the classics, from cappuccinos to cortados. If you’re in the mood for a latte, you’re spoilt for choice. Choose from a Berry Matcha Latte, Rose Latte, Saffron Latte and more.
Before you leave, pick up something from the pastry counter. Take it home. Savour it. After all, it’s a sweet little souvenir of that special relationship.
GO: Visit https://ten11london.co.uk for more information.