Breaking news
August 2021: The Ledbury will return soon.
June 2020: Brett Graham announces that the restaurant will not re-open while social distancing is in place and will close "indefinitely".
Harden's survey result
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.
Summary
Brett’s back!! Having closed his superb Notting Hill legend in June 2020, Brett Graham announced in August 2021 that its reopening is imminent. Pundits bent over backwards to be amazed, but a less surprising announcement is difficult to imagine. As always appeared possible/likely, Aussie Brett and team clearly made the smart move of shutting up shop, merely in order to sit out the pandemic (at the pub he co-owns, the Harwood Arms). There will be changes on its return, we are told, but these are still somewhat shrouded in mystery as we go to press. Whatever changes, it is still likely to be pitched at the very pinnacle of London dining. The press never mention Brett’s low-profile but high-impact backer, Nigel Platts-Martin OBE, who owns a very significant stake in the restaurant (as he does at the tremendous Chez Bruce, Trompette and Glasshouse).
For 33 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
"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 | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.50 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
127 Ledbury Rd, London, W11 2AQ
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
Best British, Modern restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Kensington and Chelsea
British, Modern restaurant in Notting Hill
British, Modern restaurant in Notting Hill
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
French restaurant in Mayfair
Chinese restaurant in Victoria
British, Modern restaurant in Covent Garden
