When I visited: 2011

Location: London, Notting Hill

Team: Brett Graham (Executive Chef), Greg Austin (Head Chef), Darren McHugh (General Manager), Sam Lucas (Restaurant Manager), Seamus Williams-Sharkey (Head Sommelier)

Rating in the Michelin Guide: 2 stars

Dining Owl Hoot rating: 3/5

What to wear: Men – jeans or nice trousers and a shirt; women – jeans and a smart top or a smart dress

Ambience: Buzzy, good for groups of friends

Course of the meal: Warm Pheasant’s Egg, Shaved Celeriac, Dried Ham, Arbois and Summer Truffle

If I could change one thing: More innovative main courses

Review:

I visited the Ledbury for my partner Owl’s birthday and remember it as having a very fun and buzzy atmosphere, with good-quality posh European food, especially their souffle.

Since then, the Ledbury made a bit of a name for itself during the London riots of 2011, when, during a riot in the Notting Hill area, the staff allegedly escorted the guests to safety in the wine cellar (thus cannily also protecting their wine!) and afterwards were reported as serving them comforting petits fours.

Although the Ledbury probably deserves its solid 2-star rating, it perhaps lacks some of the special star courses seen at fellow 2-stars Dinner or Helene Darroze. However, it’s certainly worth a visit.