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
“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).
Summary
“Brett Graham never ceases to amaze” at his “simply sensational” Notting Hill fixture, celebrating its 15th year in 2020, and still idolised by its massive fanclub, who feel it stands “head and shoulders above just about any other restaurant in the capital”. “Superbly crafted, beautifully balanced modern British dishes are full of wonderful contrasts of tastes and textures, using the freshest seasonal ingredients” (notably, “world-beating game”). But there’s a “much more relaxed atmosphere than at most top-end ‘Michelin’ establishments”, with many-a compliment paid to its “easygoing, accommodating and un-fussy” staff; with kudos to sommelier Seamus Williams-Sharkey for his “light touch” and “clever advice introducing you to interesting corners of the world”. Decor is sophisticated if low-key, and “while always busy, it’s easy to have a conversation”.
For 32 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?
Restaurant details
The Ledbury Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Not quite as good as it used to be - but still a top notch dining experience"
"The very best ingredients beautifully prepared. Mushrooms to die for, amazing sweetbreads, etc. But, like many other of the top London restaurants, just too expensive, not least the wonderful wine list"
"Interesting and revealing to eat the Ledbury just a few days after l'enclume. Cooking equally fine, refined to perfection and balanced faultlessly across all the courses. The experience so different, adapted to the needs of a wealthy London crowd, ultimately feeling a little impersonal. "
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £20.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
127 Ledbury Rd, London, W11 2AQ
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | CLOSED |
| Tuesday | 6 pm‑9:15 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑9:15 pm |
| Thursday | 6 pm‑9:15 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:15 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑1:30 pm, 6 pm‑9:15 pm |
| Sunday | CLOSED |
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