The Ledbury

Modern European·
££££
·
Gold Award
·

SquareMeal Review of The Ledbury

Gold Award

It may live and breathe “effortlessly smooth” old-school affluence, but Brett Graham’s über-suave two-Michelin-starred powerhouse feels more like an inclusive neighbourhood destination – albeit one with arty tortoiseshell chandeliers, leather chairs, judiciously placed mirrors and every seat “well-positioned” for maximum comfort. As a vision of white-walled chic, it’s very soothing – although one fan thinks that the whole package “takes decadence to a whole new level”. 

Locals, tourists and perambulating foodies make a beeline for The Ledbury in search of brilliantly inventive, palate-challenging cuisine from a chef who cooks with extraordinary precision, authority and more than a dash of audacious brio. The kitchen’s form never dips, and the results are “simply divine” – although we always defer to the tasting menus for “superlative satisfaction”.

Our samplings are invariably top-drawer, but readers also have much to cheer about: Cumbrian veal tartare dressed with grilled artichoke oil, horseradish and a morsel of truffle-sprinkled beef fat on toast; smoked and dried eel served with clay-baked ‘candy’ beetroot and English caviar (“a masterstroke”); monkfish cleverly teamed with orange and a superb pumpkin and shellfish purée; a “sensational” sanguine-hued dish of Chinese water deer (“sourced from Norfolk”) with smoked bone marrow, pickled beetroot cream, quince and red leaves.

Meals are bookended and interspersed with a cavalcade of “little wonders”, while incredible desserts might bring brown sugar tart with stem-ginger ice cream or mara de bois strawberries partnered by rose jelly and ewe’s milk sorbet.

Service is “doting” but never suffocating, and every member of staff is “enthusiastic and well-schooled” (right down to the tiniest detail); it’s also worth consulting one of the knowledgeable sommeliers if you want to get the best from the endlessly fascinating wine list. It may be at “the top end of the scale” when it comes to price, but The Ledbury is quite simply “out of this world”.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - Over £80
Cuisines
Modern European
Ambience
Fine dining, Glamorous, Luxury, Quiet conversation, Romantic, Widely spaced tables
Awards
SquareMeal London Top 100, Three Michelin stars
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch
Special Features
Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celebrations, Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

About

The Ledbury in London’s Notting Hill has long held a rather impressive two Michelin stars and is ranked amongst the top 50 restaurants in the world. It was with great reluctance, then, that it was forced to take a hiatus between 2020 and 2022 because, like so many other restaurants during the pandemic, it was hit hard by the effects of social distancing measures.  

But at the beginning of 2022, chef-owner Brett Graham reopened the legendary restaurant to the public, with a rejuvenated look and feel as well as a brand-new food and drink offering. The restaurant offers an ever-changing eight-course tasting menu only, that comes with an optional wine pairing (and a hefty price tag). Graham has brought in former Kitchen Table head chef Tom Spenceley to run the kitchen, with many of The Ledbury’s former staff returning to their positions once again. The restaurant is open for dinner service from Tuesday to Saturday, and for lunch on Friday and Saturday only.

The menu is constantly changing and makes use of the finest British ingredients, from Poole Bay Mackerel to six-year-old Jersey Beef. While all dishes showcase the kitchen’s obsession with the highest quality produce, with the Jersey beef and Iberian pork for the charcuterie coming from Brett’s own farm. Details about the exact menu items are few and far between however, to retain the element of surprise when dining. 

The restaurant has had a bit of a makeover too, with London-based design studio These White Walls enlisted to give the dining room a total revamp. Not sure what that entails? They were also the studio in charge of the décor at Hide, so imagine lots of natural materials, warm lighting and a rustic yet luxurious feel.

The Ledbury originally opened back in 2005 and has held its two Michelin stars since 2010.


FAQs

Does the restaurant have a Michelin star?

The restaurant has two Michelin stars.

Helpful? 0

Who is the head chef at the restaurant?

The restaurant belongs to Brett Graham, and his head chef is Tom Spenceley.

Helpful? 0

When did the restaurant reopen?

Early 2022.

Helpful? 0

Location

127 Ledbury Road, Notting Hill, London, W11 2AQ

020 7792 9090 020 7792 9090

Website

Opening Times

Lunch
Mon Closed
Tue Closed
Wed Closed
Thu Closed
Fri 12:00-13:30
Sat 12:00-13:30
Sun Closed
Dinner
Mon Closed
Tue 18:00-21:15
Wed 18:00-21:15
Thu 18:00-21:15
Fri 18:00-21:15
Sat 18:00-21:15
Sun Closed

Reviews

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63 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Stephen G

04 May 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Howard S

09 April 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Superlative lunch

One word. Outstanding.

Jeremy K

26 March 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
A wonderful evening

Amazing food, a nice atmosphere, though definitely on the pricy side...

palomba W

26 July 2019  
Everything about the restaurant is perfect starting with the muted decor and setting of the food.

Lesley B

26 July 2019  
It's the whole package without being white tablecloth stuffy.

Graham N

26 July 2019  
The Ledbury is everything you would want in a restaurant. The food and the service is faultless.

Anon

08 July 2019  
Oustanding in every area.

Danielle P

08 July 2019  
By far the best food, service and overall experience i've had in recent memory at a restaurant.

Spencer W

08 July 2019  
Great food and service.

Diane M

08 July 2019  
Sublime and indulgent experience overall. Food and service is so wonderful. The quality of the dishes are sublime. Service is always so personal and friendly, you always are made to feel so welcome. It is the special restaurant we keep returning to. The decor and atmosphere add so much to the experience. I get excited each time I know I am going there.
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