The team behind Medlar in Chelsea are to launch their first follow-up restaurant this summer. Cornus will occupy the top floor with rooftop terrace of the Ice Factory, a repurposed early Victorian industrial building in Belgravia’s Eccleston Yards.

Chef Joe Mercer Nairne and his co-owner David O’Connor opened Medlar in 2011, and it is one of the most-mentioned venues in the annual Harden’s survey, achieving high ratings as a “high-class act that consistently punches above its weight“.

Further details of the new venture have yet to be released, but the duo have high ambitions for it. David said: “We can offer Belgravia a unique, independent high-end restaurant, that would represent one of the most important hospitality openings of the year and help solidify Eccleston Yards and the Ice Factory as a destination. 

“The aim is for the restaurant to become an institution over time and compete with the very best London has to offer. We plan to instil our strong customer service philosophy, creating repeat business, and attach a world-class wine program with our network of highly skilled sommeliers. Whilst top level food is almost a prerequisite, it is this front of house philosophy that creates destination venues that stand the test of time.” 

Eccleston Yards, close to Victoria station, is the former site of Eccleston Place Power Station which has been redeveloped under a billion-pound plan by the Duke of Westminster’s Grosvenor Estate over the past six years. The Ice Factory was built in 1830 for Shingleton’s Ice Company, and has also seen use as a coachwork and motor repair centre.