When planning our recent vacation, realizing we would have a few hours in London, I knew I had to get my priorities straight, starting with where to eat.\u00a0 As I polled various foodie friends who had been through the city, I received a number of suggestions, but one was listed over and over again — The Ledbury<\/a>.\u00a0<\/strong> Thus, like any good global food lover, I watched the reservation window and pounced on an appointment for a long lunch on our one full afternoon in the city.\u00a0 Given our short stay in London (under 48 hours), I had booked a hotel in nearby Notting Hill — The Laslett (more on that experience later).\u00a0 I chose the property primarily because of its location, thus, we could easily stroll to lunch.\u00a0 Hubs and I lucked out for our brief visit, and had a clear walk to make our 1:15 reservation.<\/p>\n Interested in the comparison, after a disappointing meal the previous night (sorry, Chef Clare<\/a>), we opted for the full tasting menu at The Ledbury.\u00a0 Diners with less time should note there was an\u00a0express lunch available.\u00a0 All together the meal was comprehensive, delicious, and sublimely elevated.\u00a0 Plating was a plus, but really, it was the service that took our lunch to the next level.\u00a0 Whereas Core’s team was professional, they were a bit too formal for my liking.\u00a0 From our first interaction at The Ledbury (led by the charming GM Darren McHugh), it was clear that service levels were among the highest in the city.\u00a0 Certainly, there is a time and place for a formal dining experience, but I think true fine dining is a blend of beautiful dishes, local ingredients, and atmosphere.\u00a0 Much like our delightful lunch at Librije’s\u00a0Zusje<\/a>\u00a0last summer, our meal at The Ledbury will stay with us for quite some time.<\/p>\n Of all the dishes to enjoy, my favorite was actually a secret course not listed on the menu (yes, details like that are what make this place stand out).\u00a0 The meaty, perfectly smoked Hen of the Woods<\/em>, was the most amazing thing I ate last month (and I ate a lot of food in July).\u00a0 Secondly, and also vegetarian, was the Sweetcorn<\/em> course (pictured below).\u00a0 Really, if someone could prepare vegetarian dishes for me like this every day, it would be easy to go without meat.\u00a0 Furthermore, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Cheese Toastie with Truffle<\/i>, which was included in the snacks, and a treat I would happily enjoy on any menu.\u00a0 As a final favorite course, the Warm Bantam’s Egg<\/em>\u00a0(also pictured below) was another absolutely delicious dish, and really, it made me realize how little eggs (especially on their own) are incorporated into degustations.\u00a0 Honestly, I think it’s sort of brilliant, and would happily eat the larger egg with its dried ham and rich yolk and other accompaniments any time of day.\u00a0 Each of the above dishes was well balanced, well portioned, and regionally sourced — all highlights in their own manner.<\/p>\n Our memorable meal ended with an invitation downstairs to the kitchen for a quick chat with Head Chef Greg Austin (it’s funny how telling someone you live in Dubai opens up all sorts of conversations).\u00a0 Although the service was clearly turning for dinner, and family meal was in full effect, out of nowhere, we were presented with mini cornettos full of chocolate and other goodies.\u00a0 Where did they come from?\u00a0 I have no idea.\u00a0 Were they a perfect parting gift?\u00a0 Yes, indeed.<\/p>\n\n