Medlar

SW REVIEW

Medlar is a fantastically-good little restaurant opened by Joe Mercer Nairne and David O'Connor - two chaps who most recently honed their restaurant managing skills at London’s much-loved Chez Bruce. The inspiration behind the cooking is somewhat French-influenced but the commitment to sourcing only the best of British ingredients give the place a true homegrown feel. Starters like the tantalising duck egg tart with turnip puree, girolles and sautéed duck heart show that ambition is not lacking and the expertise of the kitchen team really delivers on it. The wine list is impressively expansive and features many mid-priced bottles that are a great addition to the food. Independent new offerings like this are the kind of thing that’s really driving the London restaurant scene to dizzying new heights, and others wishing to follow might do well to hold up Medlar as a shining example. Well, a ‘great’ example perhaps, rather than ‘shining’ as, the only thing SW noticed on top of the fabulous food and superb service, was that they keep the place fantastically dark! Still, Medlar makes a great date venue and the prix fixe value (3 courses for £39.50) makes it worth checking out any night of the week.