The Ledbury vs. Launceston Place
Perhaps it’s not fair to make a comparison of the two when one is a 2 Michelin starred restaurant and the other has none, but having dined at both of them recently, it’s difficult not to.
Both serve what I would call posh British food and aren’t too far away geographically-The Ledbury is in Notting Hill and Launceston Place is in South Kensington. The Ledbury is going to set you back quite a bit more at £80 for a three course meal versus Launceston Place’s £46.
But look, The Ledbury has purse hooks!
Ok, fine. Purse hooks aren’t worth £34 more. But precise cooking and attention to flavors are, in my opinion. How gorgeous is this plate of pigeon? That would be roast breast and confit legs of pigeon, with hearts on the skewer in the back for good measure. If a chef can make pigeon hearts delicious, I give credit where credit is due.
It was the little touches too - the amuse bouche, the mignardises and the quality of bread that make a difference too. Like this bacon and egg brioche at The Ledbury.
I don’t want to give the impression that our meal at Launceston Place was all bad. The duck egg on toast with truffle emulsion was one of the most perfectly cooked eggs I’ve ever had.
And the dark chocolate souffle was lovely, even though the accompanying whiskey ice cream was way too strong.
If I had the choice though, I’d certainly be back at The Ledbury, so Fergie made an excellent choice picking it at my Christmas present.
