I lived in Kensington, not far from Earls Court Station, for about 7 years, lots of good places to eat.

Pubs-wise, I'd recommend the following for a good meal:
The Abingdon (on Abingdon Road)
The Britannia (on Allen Street)

Publiq at the top of Palace Gate by Kensington Gardens (the road starts off as Gloucester Road, leading up from the station) is fantastic 'small plates' style food with superb cocktails.

For an afternoon tea in the area, take a look at The Milestone Hotel, with a pre or post-prandial in the very lovely Stables Bar.

Regarding driving, make sure you get an automatic rather than a manual (stick shift) as you'll find it a heck of a lot easier to manage.

This is all assuming your idea of Kensington is around the high street, and not South Kensington, near the museums