Medlar | King’s Road, London

Located on the King’s Road in Chelsea, Medlar is an independently owned restaurant renowned for its exquisite dishes and outstanding hospitality. Opened in April 2011 by Chef Joe Mercier Nairne and David O’Connor, front of house manager, Medlar has earned outstanding reviews and built an incredible reputation for excellent food and service that is so beloved by a loyal tribe of regulars which ensures this neighbourhood restaurant is always at the top of everyone’s ‘go-to’ list.

Joe’s career began after attending Eton and Oxford University, where he read Archaeology and Anthropology. Only then did he decide to embark on his new culinary career in 2001 when he first attended Leith’s school of Food and Wine. After working in Carluccio’s, The Savoy Grill and Chez Bruce, Joe finally opened Medlar alongside David O’Connor.

David began his career working as a waiter in his parent’s restaurant before moving to Alexander House in West Sussex. In 1998, David moved to London where he worked initially at The Orrey restaurant under Patrick Fichnaller and Chris Galvin and later at The Square, Chez Bruce and The Ledbury.

The experienced pair have worked together to create a restaurant that specialises in seasonal French inspired cuisine using ingredients from the British Isles and Europe.

When it comes to the menu, the variation of dishes is tantalising with starters of sea trout tartare with cucumber gazpacho, salted almonds and green apple leek and potato soup with home smoked mackerel, poached quails eggs, paprika and aged comté gougères and for your main course, potato ravioli with king oyster mushroom, baby violet artichokes, black garlic and cured egg yolk or a classic boudin of cornfed chicken with girolles, cobnuts, new season’s corn, artichokes and spätzle. Is your mouth watering yet?

The desserts are equally as exciting with a classic Tarte tatin with crème fraiche ice cream large enough for two to share or we also love the sound of the plum sorbet with blackberry compote, oat crunch and freshly baked madeleines….

At Medlar they take cheese and wine very seriously, which can only be a good thing….

A custom selection of the finest quality, well matured cheeses can be found on their legendary cheese boards and the wine list has been compiled by head sommelier/ buyer, Didier Catelo whose experience and exceptional taste has informed the perfect choices for the wine list at Medlar.

The stylish interior at Medlar was designed by the uber talented duo Turner and Pocock who have created a cool, contemporary look and feel, specifying materials that create a relaxed and welcoming feel to the restaurant.

Medlar has such a special place in our hearts and is the ideal setting for a special occasion lunch or dinner. To make a reservation or to find out more information visit the website here.

Images kindly supplied with permission by Medlar.