Restaurant Closed
This restaurant is closed.
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Breaking news
Permanently closed. Motcombs has moved to new premises in St John's Wood, with Motcombs Tavern scheduled to open in Pollen Street, Mayfair, in 2025.
Harden's survey result
Summary
“A very welcome addition to St John’s Wood” – the year-old NW8 branch is a pleasant backwater brasserie and part of a new incarnation of Belgravia’s ‘Motcombs’: a Sloane Ranger- era celeb magnet, which closed in early 2025 after over 40 years of trading. The original founder, Philip Lawless, passed away in 2023, but the brand has actually been owned by Ross & Jax Anderson since 2017. But it’s now ‘all go’ with making over the business, since in April 2025 – with no prior PR or ceremony – the Andersons took over the former Mayfair site of Jason Atherton’s Pollen Street Social (RIP), ditching its minimalist look for wood panelling and brass fixtures. Open from breakfast onwards: the menu at the new address also has a whiff of ’80s throwback to it, with its mix of Bang Bang Cauliflower, Prawn Cocktail Marie Rose, Dover Sole, T-Bone and Fish ’n’ Chips. As with the original, there’s also a large bar here.
Summary
“Now that the once-legendary host-patron Philip Lawless has passed, it isn’t quite the same” at this old-fashioned bar/brasserie (est. 1982) in ever-posher SW1, which once epitomised ‘Sloane Ranger’ territory. Some of its older denizens still exude a certain “Belgravia bonkers” energy, but fans still like its “hearty” fare, best enjoyed in summer when the large pavement terrace comes into its own.
Summary
Occupying a prime site with a large pavement terrace in an ever-plusher corner of Belgravia, this old-fashioned stalwart (est 1982) had its heyday in the era of ‘The Sloane Ranger Handbook’ (published in the same year). Even if some reports consider the experience “overpriced” and say “and service would be easy to improve” – our poll still rates its international assortment of dishes decently (although, there are some less favourable experiences reported elsewhere online).
Summary
All agree on the attractive style of this long-established (since 1982) and rather old-fashioned Belgravia stalwart, with nice pavement tables. Not everyone agrees on the value provided by its eclectic international menu (shepherds pie, seared tiger prawns, Dover sole, Belgravia burger…) but it is sometimes tipped for business.
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Have you eaten at Motcombs?
26 Motcomb St, London, SW1X 8JU
Restaurant details
Motcombs Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Been here quite a few times na dits reliably good and fun to be at. Expensive wine list"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £0.00 | £0.00 |  |
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| Lunch | £0.00 | £0.00 | |
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| Dinner | £0.00 | £0.00 | |
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| SundayLunch | £28.00 | £0.00 | |
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| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 0.00 | ||
| Menu2 | 0.00 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £14.00 | £21.00 | £10.00 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 15.00% |
26 Motcomb St, London, SW1X 8JU
Opening hours
| Monday | 8:30 am‑12 am |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am‑12 am |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am‑12 am |
| Thursday | 8:30 am‑12 am |
| Friday | 8:30 am‑12 am |
| Saturday | 8:30 am‑12 am |
| Sunday | 8:30 am‑12 am |
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