Harden's survey result
Summary
“Even better than its pre-pandemic days, with three Michelin stars fully deserved” – Brett Graham and Nigel Platts-Martin’s renowned Notting Hill venue has gone from strength to strength since they reopened it post-Covid 19, and is hailed in many reports for “head-to-toe near perfection… from the the owner, to the staff and especially to the tasting menu, it’s an absolute delight” (and also “THE place to impress your loved one”). Chef Brett took the level of aspiration up a gear after re-opening and nowadays in the evening the eight-course menu at this “pleasant but unpretentious” site will set you back £285 per person. It is “genius” cuisine (“really memorable… so memorable I recall every dish, which is so rare for me!”) backed up by a “simply amazing choice of wines that leaves you spoilt for choice”; and on most accounts the result is “wallet-scorching but exceptional”. If there is a concern, it is that there was growing pushback this year against the eye-watering bill, with a slight dip in ratings reflecting an experience that some find “beautiful… but at an unacceptable price”. The most commented verdict though? “A cut above and I can’t wait to go back again”.
Summary
“One of the greats and absolutely deserving its three stars” – chef Brett Graham and his backer Nigel Platts-Martin closed this Notting Hill icon during the Covid-19 pandemic, only to triumphally reopen it in 2022, pitching it even more ambitiously (and expensively) than it was before. Support from the annual diners’ poll was unprecedented this year, with over 80% of diners acclaiming it as their best meal of the year – “I didn’t think it was possible to surpass its previous performance, but somehow it did!…”; “a favourite restaurant of anywhere in the world” where “attention to detail is apparent throughout”, not least in the superlative tasting menu for £225 per person. The latter encompasses eight courses and ‘goes for it’ more than it once did in terms of recherché ingredients. Mushrooms are also a feature from a post-refit cabinet; as is the venison for which Brett’s pub the Harwood (see also) is also known. “The refurb has helped the atmosphere” and service too is “flawless, but keeps things relaxed”. “It’s all too good for the health of my future bank balance, I fear…”
Summary
“Back with a bang!” – Brett Graham’s “superlative” Notting Hill HQ ‘pressed pause’ during Covid, but re-opened in 2022 to near-universal acclaim. “Technically exquisite, with delicate preparation and flavour combinations” – “his cuisine was straight back in with two Michelin stars – zero surprise there!”. (But there are also widespread misgivings about prices that risk becoming “just too expensive”). “Many of the old staff remain and balance efficiency and familiarity with aplomb” and “Brett is very visible to chat with”. “To top it off, with the new interior it has such a relaxed vibe now”. Top Menu Tip – “unbelievably brilliant mushrooms”.
Summary
“Brett is indeed finally back!” at this Notting Hill luminary, which has often topped our annual diners’ poll as London’s top gastronomic destination, but which closed for the duration of the Covid pandemic. Virtually all feedback is ecstatic: “it’s just so good to see it re-open!”. “The dining room has had a thorough refresh” and the “slight reduction in the number of tables has significantly improved the ambience” (“you still feel you’re in the same place, just with a more spacious feel”); and “service was top-notch even after just a couple of weeks of re-opening”. When it comes to gastronomy, many fans feel that “while it didn’t seem possible, if anything, Brett has raised his game even higher” since ditching the pre-pandemic à la carte menu format to focus on “a modern-style tasting menu”, featuring 8 courses (and also at lunch with a cut-down option of 6 courses). A minority of reporters, though, are more cautious in their praise. The new “eye-watering level of prices” is the most widespread concern. But one or two deeper sceptics – while acknowledging “technically exquisite” or “knockout” cooking – think “it’s not bad or disappointing, just not quite as good as it once was”. So, as a result, The Ledbury food rating has not yet quite regained its customary level of 5/5. What’s not in doubt, though, is that owner Nigel Platts-Martin’s celebrated operation has survived its state of suspended animation to compete successfully once again at the highest level.
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 The Ledbury?
127 Ledbury Rd, London, W11 2AQ
Restaurant details
The Ledbury Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Where do I start? This restaurant has unquestionably the most impressive front of house staff i have ever encountered, that includes all but one of all the michelin 3* uk venues. They engage wholly appropriately and gauge their responses absolutely to the customers. Every course, and yes there were a lot with the amuse bouche to the delicious petit fours. Some sensational combinations, but the pre dessert edged it as the most astonishing course for its texture and stunning flavour. The mushroom cabinet was visually beautiful! Toilets immaculate if small but limited by the building. We were lucky enough to meet Chef too. Brett is a man massively passionate about his art (and such a nice guy too)and an equally enthused large brigade. Was it the best I have ever been to? After 131 michelin stars its hard to rank such astonishing venues Simply put WOW"
"Very special, the best! Course after course of perfection, everything was top notch. The staff were without pretensions and Brett Graham came for along chat at the end of a long lovely lunch. Their sourcing of ingredients, particularly from their own facilities dotted around the country shows complete dedication to the craft. The decor is fascinating, not least the fungal display downstairs. "
"Visited in June for a Saturday lunch the food and service was very professional but the atmosphere was very relaxed.I can see why this restaurant has received 3 Michelin stars."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £50.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
 Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
127 Ledbury Rd, London, W11 2AQ
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 6 pm‑11:15 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑11:15 pm |
| Thursday | 6 pm‑11:15 pm |
| Friday | 6 pm‑11:15 pm |
| Saturday | 6 pm‑11:15 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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