Harden's survey result
Summary
Since they left Chez Bruce in 2011, David O’Connor & Joe Mercer Nairne have quietly beavered away at this low-key Chelsea neighbourhood spot, which has – under the radar – established itself as one of the most popular destinations in our annual diners’ poll. Why? “It’s the perfect antidote to mid-2020s London” – whereas “most restaurants are now highly priced and mediocre”, here you can just enjoy “an excellent meal in very pleasant surroundings, without feeling cheated”. OK, some accuse the decor of being “slightly dull” and the place is “certainly one for foodies and wine buffs, not Salt Bae aficionados”. But “nothing is too much trouble for the superb team” and they deliver “real fine-dining comfort food” (“beautiful dishes from a menu where I could have happily chosen any dish”). Michelin mindlessly withdrew the star they had quickly awarded here when it opened and have inexplicably (haughtily?) refused ever since to admit their error, as the award is clearly deserved (“why no star? It’s merited one for years”). Now that David and Joe have earned back the gong they have probably long craved at Belgravia’s Cornus (see also), hopefully they will not turn their back on this “consistently outstanding place that’s a joy to visit”. Top Tips – “note particularly, the great value lunch deal with £15 corkage”; “the cheeseboard is worthy of a trip in itself”.
Summary
“A very classy restaurant that never seems to get the praise it deserves” – David O’Connor & Joe Mercer-Nairne’s “understated” feature in deepest Chelsea is nevertheless one of the Top-20 most commented-on destinations this year in our annual diners’ poll. The Insta crowd are entirely absent – this is one for seasoned foodies and wine trade types and “while of more-than-local interest there is no pretension or fussiness”. “There’s always something of real interest on the menu” and the “terrific modern British/European dishes are served at very fair prices”, in a “a quietly elegant setting” by a team that “hits all the right notes”. There’s “an interesting wine list to suit all budgets, with a sommelier who looks after you”, but “those in-the-know take advantage of the reasonable corkage charge at both lunch and dinner”. “Why it doesn’t have a Michelin star is incomprehensible!” – the tyre company gave the place one after it opened in 2011, bafflingly took it away, and then seemingly have never quite been able to get over themselves to give it back. Perhaps with the opening of Cornus (see also) in Eccleston Yards (Belgravia), the tyre man will finally return the accolades this team so clearly deserves. Top Menu Tips – “The warm chocolate mousse tart is on my last ever meal wish list”; “the cheese board is one of the best in London”. The three-course lunch for £47.50, married to £15 corkage: “what‘s not to like?”
Summary
“It may not have the best location in an obscure end of the King’s Road”, but this “low-key” Chelsea operation (est. 2011) “continues to quietly excel” and is one of the most popular in our annual diners’ poll. “Imaginative” modern British cuisine “with a good range of ingredients” is “expertly cooked by co-owner and chef Joe Mercer Nairne, and with excellent but unobtrusive service overseen by co-owner David O’Connor”, including “well-targeted wine advice” on the “terrific list”. Another “star of the show is the cheeseboard” (“I am still talking about it months later!”). “Much better than many one-starred Michelin restaurants in London”, “it is incomprehensible that this restaurant has been passed over for regaining its star for so long”. Top Tips – “the three-course lunch for £45 and lunchtime corkage of only £15 are some of the capital’s great culinary bargains”. “Old favourites on the menu include the Crab Raviolo.”
Summary
“A class act that consistently punches above its weight”: this low-key but high-quality Chelsea indie (opened in 2011) flies somewhat under the radar in terms of PR profile, but regularly ranks in the top 40 most-mentioned restaurants in our annual diners’ poll. Joe Mercer Nairne’s “superior” modern British cuisine is “always a delight”, often “special” and comes at a “reasonable price”. Service (overseen by co-owner David O’Connor) is “likewise expert” and it’s “well worth asking the sommelier to recommend something offbeat”, as there are “some unusual gems on the wine list”. And while the interior is “low key”, the atmosphere is “conducive to a wonderful evening”. “It’s not clear why it lost its Michelin star”: “it should have regained it long ago”. Top Tips – “the tarte Tatin for two is to die for. Corkage of £10 at lunchtimes and £25 in the evenings is one of London’s great bargains”.
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Medlar?
438 King's Rd, London, SW10 0LJ
Restaurant details
Medlar Restaurant Diner Reviews
"A great private room that they didn’t charge for. You can bring your own wine. Delicious French food."
"Great local"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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| Lunch | £45.00 | £53.00 |  |
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| Dinner | £66.00 | £81.00 | |
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| Drinks |
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| Wine per bottle | £32.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £7.00 |
| Extras |
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| Service | 13.50% |
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 |
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