Harden's survey result
Summary
“Well worth a visit in this remote corner of Chelsea”: this “outstanding oasis in Worlds End” has won a big culinary reputation, and chef Joe Mercer-Nairne “maintains high standards year-in-year-out”, with a “classic French approach that’s not so over-refined as to suck enjoyment out of it”. “Very good ingredients are cooked with great care, love and attention, but not overdone, nor over-fancy”. Service is of a very “high class” too, while the interior is “sophisticated” (“if a little cramped”). “It’s another surprising omission from the Michelin star list: is it because it’s at the wrong end of the King’s Road?”
Summary
“In an otherwise rather barren part of Chelsea”, this low-profile, but immensely popular, fixture is “a great neighbourhood restaurant that’s worth a journey if it’s not in your neighbourhood”. “Why did it lose its Michelin star” a couple of years ago? – we just don’t know, as Joe Mercier-Nairne’s “refined” cuisine is “very accomplished” and often “memorable”; service is “professional” and “exceptionally friendly”; and “the extent and variety of the wine list is a constant surprise, with recommendations that are spot-on every time”. The weakest link is a dining room that some say is “not the most elegant”, but others value its “intimate” feel.
Summary
“Joe Mercer-Nairne should have a Michelin star” and why the tyre men took it away is bonkers given the “faultless, complex cuisine with modern flair” and “slick and pleasant service” at this well-known and extremely popular “hidden gem”, at the ‘wrong’ end of the King’s Road. At best the slightly awkward interior feels “classy” and “convivial”, but it can also appear “staid” and “strangely low key”.
Summary
“The location’s not great” and “signage needs improving”, but this “welcome refuge” near World’s End – run by alumni of Chez Bruce – “exceeds expectations”, and has won a huge following. “It’s a comfortable, quiet space” pepped up by “professional” staff who “try extra hard”, and the “masterfully executed” food is “seasonal, understated, big on flavour”, and accompanied by an “outstanding” wine list. That Michelin took its star away is a screw-up on their part. Top Tip – “incredible value lunch menu”.
Owner's description
Medlar is owned by Joe Mercer Nairne and David O'Connor. It is our first restaurant venture and the aim is to provide fantastic food and service in a relaxed environment. We hope our combined experience in some of London’s best restaurants will help us achieve this. At Medlar we aim to cook seasonal ingredients from the British Isles and Europe accurately and simply. The style is French based but takes inspiration from all over. A love of food drives Joe to the kitchen, and he strives to cook food that is first and foremost satisfying to eat. Medlar’s wine list is compiled by Head sommelier/buyer, Didier Catelo.
Special Offer: please quote this offer when booking. Sunday evenings - £35 for three courses (full menu)
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £35.00 | £55.00 |  |
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| Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £33.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £4.25 |
| Extras |
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| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
Medlar Restaurant Diner Reviews
"As ever Medlar seeks to be tres serieux but does not quite make that mark. At dinner recently we were struck by the usual and seldom changing menu of high protein options. A Foie Gras starter was a small but correctly cooke piece of foie gras served on a crouton which in fact was a soggy piece of brown bread soaking in oil. Burrata starters again were very rich and almost oily. A Chicken boudin main was rather solid and and lack texture as were two mains of roast hake, a potato ravioli was ended as were excellent puddings. Service was good when engaged but several times required persistent summoning. Given current appetites for low calorie eating it would be a distinct enhancement if Medlar could offer a few lighter and less oily options."
"The cooking remains a cut above, but the place has a flat atmosphere and needs a vibe. The wine list needs more clarity."
"A small cafe on the Kings Road serving unexpectedly superb French cuisine. The Tarte Tatin was outstanding. Good value for lunch."
"Stalwart reliable restaurant, good cooking, good portions, good service, good price, maintains standards consistently. The lemon beignets are wonderful- hot, lightly crispy, fluffy lemony angel,s breath! Not the most elegant looking dessert but worth a visit just for them!"
"Best byo offer in London ? Just wish it was closer to a tube station"
"Year after year Medlar continues to delight with its traditional formality without frills. The attraction of its menu is the range of tastes it offers."
438 King's Rd, London, SW10 0LJ
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm-3 pm, 6:30 pm-10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-3 pm, 6:30 pm-10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-3 pm, 6:30 pm-10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-3 pm, 6:30 pm-10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-3 pm, 6:30 pm-10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-3 pm, 6 pm-10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm-3 pm, 6 pm-9:30 pm |
