Ledbury was one of the first restaurants I blogged on London Tastin about one year and half ago (when my photos and writing were both utterly unbearable). Since then, I’ve tried a great number of restaurants both in London and UK, many were amazing but very rare did they top my first Ledbury meal, which delivered the wow factor from bread to dessert.

The complexity and depth of flavours Brett Graham showcases at Ledbury are some of the best we’ll find anywhere in the world, not just London. No weird combinations or molecular gastronomy that only people who understand would enjoy but everyday flavours we’ve all come to love with added depth and flavours that challenge our perception on how good food can really get. For example, the jowl of pork had the usual flavour of boldness but the crackling was as thin as crisps, the meat itself was surprisingly lean and not the slightest grease yet the full spectrum of flavours were more than retained (apparently cooked at 85c for 8 hours). 

I believe the mark of 2 Michelin star should show consistency on every dish, which Ledbury has delivered for me each time. Unlike others, I don’t have to know which dish to order to have a good meal since everything taste equally good. Not a hit and miss experience that jumps from great to crap this week to next.

Of course like any fine dining restaurant, it is expensive. Two of us billed £176 and that’s with a reasonably priced half bottle of wine (superb wine list). The lunch set menu was rather reasonable at £35pp for 3 courses but should you pick the tasting menu, it’ll be a heavy £105pp to have 9 courses. This does mark it into the special occasion category, which really is a good place for anniversaries and celebrations. The dining room at Nottinghill (the good part, not close to the station) is small yet elegant. Services are always superb and not overly formal. Though it can be difficult to get a reservation, usually one month ahead is required but keep your eyes open for last minute cancellations. 

Photos from second visit on 26th Feb 2013 - a la carte

STARTERS

Deep fried quail egg with celeriac and truffle

A plate of root vegetables with Lardo di Colonata, hazelnuts and roasting juices (£14.50)

Roast quail breast with walnuts, pear and chanterelles (£14.50)

MAINS

Jowl of pork with chestnus spaetzle, parsnip emulsion and shaved perigord truffle (£34)

Roast breast and confit leg of duck and red vegetables and leaves, foie gras and rhubarb (£22)

DESSERTS

Brown sugar tart with poached grapes and stem ginger ice cream (£9)

Passion fruit soufflé with sauternes ice cream (£10)

Photos from first visit on October 2011 - a la carte

SNACKS AND BREAD

Canape

Bread

Quail egg with cannoli bean mousse

STARTERS

Hampshire Buffalo milk curd with Saint-Nectaire truffle toast and a broth of grilled onions

Hand picked crab with wakame oil, thinly sliced courgette and frozen parmesan

MAINS

Short rib of ruby red beef with celeriac baked in ash, pickled walnuts and bone marrow

Roasted breast and confit legs of grouse with red leaves and vegetables, foie gras and cherries

DESSERTS

Pre-dessert: Passionfruit mousse

Brown sugar tart with gooseberries and stem ginger ice cream

Caramelised banana galette with salted caramel, passion fruit and peanut oil parfait

Petite fours

Contact info

Tube: Nottinghill Gate

127 Ledbury Road

Notting Hill, London

W11 2AQ

0 20 7792 9090

Website