After Robin has left Chapman Farm, she decides to speak to Prudence, Strike’s sister, without Strike’s knowledge.  She calls Prudence, who suggests they meet for dinner at Il Portico, an Italian restaurant in Kensington, as she has a dental appointment in the area.

Robin takes the tube to Kensington High Street Station, and walks along the High Street to the restaurant, hyper-alert in case she is being followed.

‘On arriving at Il Portico, Robin was pleased to find it smaller and cosier than she’d imagined, given its upmarket location; her workday clothes were entirely appropriate, even if Prudence, who was already seated, looked far more elegant in her dark blue dress.’ (Chapter 106)

Prudence asks Robin whether she’s been to Il Portico before, and when Robins says she hasn’t, Prudence tells her that the restaurant serves the ‘best pasta in London’.  Robin decides to have a glass of Prosecco and Prudence has a glass of red wine.

After they have ordered, Robin tells Prudence why she has asked her to meet.  The conversation is a little heated. 

‘The waiter now set down antipasti on the table between the two women. Robin, who was extremely hungry, reached for some Parma ham’ (Chapter 106).

They continue to discuss Prudence’s client; the Universal Humanitarian Church; and Strike.

‘The waiter now brought their main courses. Too hungry to resist, Robin took one mouthful of her tagliatelle with ragu and let out a moan of pleasure.

‘Oh my God, you weren’t wrong.’ (Chapter 106)

The StrikeFans team ate at Il Portico shortly after The Running Grave was published and we can confirm that Prudence is not wrong about the pasta.  In fact, everything we ate there was wonderful.

We were lucky enough to have had our dinner bill paid by none other than J.K. Rowling herself!  You can read how this came about in our news post here.

Il Portico is London’s oldest family restaurant.  It has been owned and run by four generations of the Chiavarini family since 1967. You can find out more information about the restaurant and see the menu on their website here.

James and the team at Il Portico are lovely and are always very pleased to welcome fans of Strike and Jo to the restaurant. If you are ever in London and in need of great Italian food then we very much recommend a visit. 

Il Portico is located here: