Harden's survey result
For 25 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. This year diners have submitted over 60,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK.
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”.
Summary
“Well-hidden in the red-trouser-wearing Chelsea hinterlands”, this unexpectedly accomplished neighbourhood spot (run by some alumni of Chez Bruce) has won an impressive fan club. Perhaps the interior is a tad “subdued”, but staff are “incredibly friendly and efficient”, the “sensitive” cooking is “stunning”, and there’s a “remarkably varied” wine list. Top Tip – “amazing value lunch”.
Summary
“Ambitious”, “meticulously executed” cuisine and “an interesting and varied wine list” (presided over by an award-winning sommelier) make this Chelsea spot “more than just a neighbourhood gem”; fans say the ambience is “lovely” too, though critics find it “unremarkable”.
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)
Restaurant details
Medlar Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Continues to offer innovative modern dishes in an otherwise quiet corner of Chelsea"
"Anazing choice for the set lunch (I had sea trout tartare followed by brill, both superb) - original dishes excellently prepared. Beautiful atmosphere"
"The standard of the food was a tad different from before and the price of the set meal had increased! I'm on the hunt for an alternative go to business place now!!"
"Signage awful so hard to find - but inside the food is a delight. Awkward layout - but the dishes are interesting and delicious"
"Medlar does not offer many choices to a veggie. one started and one main course which is always disappointing. However, the staff were delighted to change some of the dishes to offer me more options. the food was absolutely delicious and we had fantastic wine. It was incredibly good value given we were there on a buzzy Saturday night. Service was fab, nice and relaxed and very discreet. Loved it and definitely going back soon."
"We enjoy the combinations of taste."
"Great place to entertain for business. Good standard of wines and excellent food offerings Crab starter delicious and I'm nissing their tarte tatin."
"A reliable restaurant in an otherwise rather barren part of Chelsea. Always an interesting menu, well executed. Can get rather noisy, even at lunchtime when it's not full."
