Getting to Medlar is a bit of an undertaking. Not because it’s down a tiny unknown alley far from civilization, but because it’s right on King’s Road in Chelsea, just not the part you’d usually venture to. We walked right past it in the pouring rain without ever noticing it was there since the area is deserted of any fine dining establishments (which abound a mile further east on the same road).

Nevertheless, my soaked self was glad to finally find the recently awarded Michelin restaurant and its elegant ambiance, ready to impress us with their inventive creations. Medlar quietly appeared on the London food scene a little over two years ago yet very few people seem to know its existence – I reckon the Michelin recognition will soon change that. The uber positive reviews highlight the flawless execution of the dishes, excellent service and incredible value for such an elevated meal which I can wholeheartedly vouch for. The menu is Prix Fixe only with lunch going for £26 during weekdays and £30 in the weekends and dinner for £42 (all 3-course) and the portions are quite generous which makes it an incredible deal.

The cooking at Medlar is classic French with modern British flair which means it’s hearty and immaculately presented. The constantly changing menu keeps pushing a bit further their creativity so it’s a place you’ll want to revisit again and again to see what they’ve come up with. One of their most popular dish – an egg tart with duck hearts – has been featured on quite a few of London’s ‘best dish lists’ and is likely to be on the menu when you go though the overwhelming choice of their appetizers alone will leave you panting in indecisiveness. Whatever you pick will make you feel special somehow, and pretty full by the end of it!

Thinly sliced confit lamb with salsa verde, artichokes, green beans and frisée

Duck egg tart with red wine sauce, turnip puree, lardons and sautéed duck heart

Under blade fillet with Café de Paris snails, salad, triple cooked chips and béarnaise

Chargrilled red mullet with San Marzano tomato tart fine, smoked mackerel, aubergine caviar and salmoriglio

Cardamom custard with saffron oranges, pomegranate and langues de chat

Raspberry sorbet with white chocolate and macadamia cookies

Rhubarb and prosecco jelly with ginger granita and blood orange sorbet

If you can manage any more food or wish to trade in one of your desserts for a supplement, the cheeseboard is out of this world and will remind you of fancy restaurants in France – we didn’t get that far unfortunately but our neighbors did!

Medlar
438 King’s Road,
London. SW10 0LJ
T: 0207 349 1900
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The Ten Bells in East London no longer needs an introduction as the crowds spilling onto the sidewalk every night can attest. The busy pub opposite Spitalfields Market has attracted thirsty shoppers and locals since the mid 18^th century with its unique Victorian décor and strong ties with ‘Jack the Riper’ who supposedly met two of his victims here. Whether you like your booze with a dark side of history or appreciate a lively ambiance, it’s an authentic stop in an ever so hip neighborhood.

What a lot of these boozers don’t know though is the treasure that hides right above their head. I’m talking about The Ten Bells’ first floor restaurant, aptly named ‘Upstairs at The Ten Bells’, which is currently one of the best gastro pubs in the city. Once you’ve climbed up the staircase at the back of the pub, you’ll find yourself in a most charming Victorian dining room filled with mismatched rustic wood tables, chandeliers, and…some pretty funny work of art.

What used to be only a temporary pop-up restaurant by a collective of chefs called the Young Turks became so popular it is now a permanent fixture. Although the majority of the original founders have gone, the kitchen is still churning out stunning dishes to everyone’s delight with tables booked well in advance. A meal here is an elegant affair in a chilled setting, much like at another favorite of mine, the Corner Room, and you’ll find an incredible value for money especially in this neighborhood. Evenings are adorned by candlelight and the list of expertly crafted cocktails begs you to start and end your night with one of their tasty concoctions.

While I rarely deem a bread basket worth mentioning, here you’re welcomed as soon as you sit down with a few slices of home made and still warm bread which I still remember today… definitely an excellent start to the night.

The menu changes weekly and features creative British seasonal fare which has hit the right notes throughout the whole meal. The winners were the breaded aubergine (offered as a snack) and the roasted leg of lamb…which probably won’t be offered when you go but you’ll have something equally delish!

Fried Cuttlefish, Jersey Royals, Red Peppers and Lovage

Breaded Aubergine, Sweet and Sour Caper, Walnut & Parmesan

Roasted Leg of Lamb, Cockles, Artichokes, Confit Tomatoes & Laverbread

Porchetta, Fregola Sarda, Peas, Gem Lettuce & Roast Onion

Cheesecake, Peanut Crumble & Loquats

Upstairs at The Ten Bells
84 Commercial St,
London
T: +44 20 7366 1721
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