Dinner by Heston or The Ledbury

Dinner by Heston or The Ledbury

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22s

Original Poster:

6,337 posts

215 months

Friday 5th September 2014
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Have a special occasion coming up in December and want to book one of the above for six of us to have dinner. I've never been to a Michelin-starred restaurant before and whilst I am enthusiastic about food, the others in my family aren't particularly (although they do enjoy dining out).

What do people think of Dinner by Heston and The Ledbury? Has anyone been to both?

I'm also open to other suggestions! Budget is pretty flexible, although over £150 a head including drinks is probably pushing it.


SimNugget

580 posts

169 months

Friday 5th September 2014
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Been to Dinner several times - great experience and food every time.

You will not be disappointed.

enioldjoe

1,062 posts

210 months

Saturday 6th September 2014
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Interesting - I was disappointed by Dinner. I'm glad I've been but even given the opportunity not really fussed about going back.

I guess it is a 'hot spot' and resides in the fantastic setting of the M. Oriental. But whilst the food was clever and original we all thought it was poor value for what you got ( ok, what is good value in London at this level !!)

The restaurant itself is perhaps a matter of personal taste. We thought it was a bit dull, even a missed opportunity regarding the decor and detailing. This might not concern some people but it is part of the overall experience for many. It's a big room with a lot of tables so if you like an atmosphere with some buzz it might well be for you.

One thing I would say, and again this was a group opinion, there was utter bafflement as to why it's currently at number 5 on the '50 Best' list.

I haven't been to The Ledbury but would like to get there one day and would also like to hear the opinions of those who have tried both.

HenryJM

6,315 posts

128 months

Saturday 6th September 2014
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Each to their own tastes but the Ledbury has a poor choice for me, no doubt great if you like what they do but to me it's not. Experience of both is heavily in favour of Dinner.

drfrank

785 posts

201 months

Sunday 7th September 2014
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I've been to both and found Dinner to be disappointing. If you are expecting the Fat Duck then don't go. It has a rather Brasseries feel about it and the dining room is similar to a large canteen. Thee food wasn't bad but didn't blow me away either, I felt it was overpriced.
The Ledbury on the other hand is more intimate, the service is superb and the food is fantastic. I would go with The Ledbury if I was asked to choose.

22s

Original Poster:

6,337 posts

215 months

Sunday 14th September 2014
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Interesting - thanks all for the info. The mixed reviews have really torn me! I didn't think it would be such a divisive choice - I'm currently leaning towards The Ledbury, but I feel that Dinner might suit the rest of the party better since they're not super foodie. Decisions, decisions...

phatmanace

670 posts

208 months

Sunday 14th September 2014
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perhaps a bit old school now, but you might consider Gordon Ramsay's on royal Hospital Road in Chelsea - my and the wife went there recently for lunch and it was amazing - really nice experience and great food.

Bullett

10,873 posts

183 months

Monday 15th September 2014
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I've been to both and enjoyed them both.

I found Dinner much more interesting in the dishes on offer. The Ledbury was very good, great service and perfectly cooked food but didn't really live up to my expectations. No idea why it was no1 London restaurant.

I think you'll be on the edge of your budget for £150 per person at either place.

If you want this for December, book now!


C0ffin D0dger

3,440 posts

144 months

Monday 15th September 2014
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phatmanace said:
perhaps a bit old school now, but you might consider Gordon Ramsay's on royal Hospital Road in Chelsea - my and the wife went there recently for lunch and it was amazing - really nice experience and great food.
I wouldn't have thought of it as old school myself. Any restaurant that has managed to hold three stars from 2001 onwards has got to be worth a look. It's on my restaurant bucket list but I've yet to have the pleasure frown

lauda

3,445 posts

206 months

Monday 15th September 2014
quotequote all
C0ffin D0dger said:
phatmanace said:
perhaps a bit old school now, but you might consider Gordon Ramsay's on royal Hospital Road in Chelsea - my and the wife went there recently for lunch and it was amazing - really nice experience and great food.
I wouldn't have thought of it as old school myself. Any restaurant that has managed to hold three stars from 2001 onwards has got to be worth a look. It's on my restaurant bucket list but I've yet to have the pleasure frown
I'd say it is quite old school, as is the Waterside Inn. Despite the odd nod to modernity, the Michelin guide is very traditional and very French-centric. The fact that Alain Ducasse has a three star restaurant in the UK and Simon Rogan doesn't is testament to that in my view.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is excellent but in terms of bucket list dining, it would be nowhere near the top for me.

HenryJM

6,315 posts

128 months

Monday 15th September 2014
quotequote all
lauda said:
I'd say it is quite old school, as is the Waterside Inn. Despite the odd nod to modernity, the Michelin guide is very traditional and very French-centric. The fact that Alain Ducasse has a three star restaurant in the UK and Simon Rogan doesn't is testament to that in my view.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is excellent but in terms of bucket list dining, it would be nowhere near the top for me.
Hmm, Alain Ducasse is very, very good - one of three or four of the three stars in London but, as you say, French.

Bullett

10,873 posts

183 months

Monday 15th September 2014
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There are 4 3* in the U at present.

Alain Ducasse @ Dorchester
Gordon Ramsay RHR
Fat Duck
Waterside

All except the FD are very french in style and content. Many of the top ones have heavy french influences.

Soir

2,268 posts

238 months

Monday 15th September 2014
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HenryJM said:
lauda said:
I'd say it is quite old school, as is the Waterside Inn. Despite the odd nod to modernity, the Michelin guide is very traditional and very French-centric. The fact that Alain Ducasse has a three star restaurant in the UK and Simon Rogan doesn't is testament to that in my view.

Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is excellent but in terms of bucket list dining, it would be nowhere near the top for me.
Hmm, Alain Ducasse is very, very good - one of three or four of the three stars in London but, as you say, French.
Wife & I are going in October (Dorchester) really glad to hear a positive review. Went to Hibiscus last year & was the best meal I've ever had, still doubt will ever beat it

HenryJM

6,315 posts

128 months

Monday 15th September 2014
quotequote all
Soir said:
Wife & I are going in October (Dorchester) really glad to hear a positive review. Went to Hibiscus last year & was the best meal I've ever had, still doubt will ever beat it
Well I'm there later this week so I'll let you know how it is bearing up!

juice

8,508 posts

281 months

Monday 15th September 2014
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Dinner - just for the tipsy cake - best thing I've ever eaten lick

TheAngryDog

12,394 posts

208 months

Monday 15th September 2014
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I've never thought about going to somewhere "posh" like these. Is it really worth the cost? Any recommendations for any that may be in Bucks / London?

Bullett

10,873 posts

183 months

Monday 15th September 2014
quotequote all
Yes, absolutely. Don't think of them as posh though, that a bit old fashioned and stuffy. Most are modern and a lot more casual then people think. It's not just the food, it's the whole experience, the service, the decor the ambience.

If your previous high end eating experience is a chain then you might need to recalibrate though!

I don't know Bucks but London is awash with places. What do you like? French, Italian, Indian, Chinese?

TheAngryDog

12,394 posts

208 months

Monday 15th September 2014
quotequote all
Bullett said:
Yes, absolutely. Don't think of them as posh though, that a bit old fashioned and stuffy. Most are modern and a lot more casual then people think. It's not just the food, it's the whole experience, the service, the decor the ambience.

If your previous high end eating experience is a chain then you might need to recalibrate though!

I don't know Bucks but London is awash with places. What do you like? French, Italian, Indian, Chinese?
Some of the best places I've eaten have been Mediterranean places in Wood Green to be honest. Best steak I have had has been up to now from a chain, but they do good steak, and it doesn't feel like a chain when you're there.

Out of those it would be Indian then Italian, but I mainly prefer "English" dishes. I am quite fussy, the GF on the other hand eats anything.

Bullett

10,873 posts

183 months

Tuesday 16th September 2014
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I'd probably suggest something like The Hinds Head (Heston) or the Hand and Flowers as 'english' food more pub like in ambience and presentation but terrific food. neither are in your specified locations so probably not much use. Some other guys might be able to advise on similar places.

Benares is one of the big names on the Curry side (Atul Kochhar) it's on my to do list.
I'm also a big fan of Murano which is Angela Hartnett's place, it's Italian by its own admission but don't expect piles of pasta!

HenryJM

6,315 posts

128 months

Friday 19th September 2014
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HenryJM said:
Soir said:
Wife & I are going in October (Dorchester) really glad to hear a positive review. Went to Hibiscus last year & was the best meal I've ever had, still doubt will ever beat it
Well I'm there later this week so I'll let you know how it is bearing up!
And the verdict is - superb. A brilliant meal and also a great environment and ambiance. My main dish was pork and it was absolutely perfect.

Just don't be scared by the bill, not sure I've paid £200 a head before.... But it was well worth it.