Mayfair, British, Traditional Restaurant Guide

“For a very special occasion, there is nowhere better” than this “beyond-compare” Louis XVI chamber, widely acclaimed as “the most beautiful dining room in London”: “it will not only rekindle the romance in your marriage, it’s also great for impressing on business”. “Not to be totally outdone by the surroundings, staff are friendly and unpretentious, and the classic cuisine under head chef John Willliams is measured and precise (if not exactly cheap… but it’s not supposed to be!)”. Top Tip – “a lovely fancy place for an epic breakfast”; also “the dinner dance is special and great value”.

“Splendid old pub” in a cute Mayfair mews whose adjoining “old school” grill-house – “various small rooms packed with tables” – may be “noisy and less-than-comfortable”, but is “an institution” for those fond of a “fabulous steak” or meat pie. “Superb beef and lamb are cooked on the open charcoal grill (you can choose your cut on the way in)” and the meat is of “consummate quality”. With its “excellent real ale” it’s a “good place for the boys” but its “sky-high prices” can deepen the impression of catering for a “principally male, expense-account clientele”. Top Tip – in early 2019, landlord Oison Rogers started opening for breakfast: “full English in meaty portions”.

2019 Review: “Like an old London club”, this traditional Mayfair dining room is “spacious” and “there is absolutely no rush to serve you and get you out”. In a similar vein, “you wouldn’t necessarily go there for the food”, except for the afternoon tea in the adjoining ‘Conservatory’, go for the classic or novelty-themed version (it’s currently ‘The Original Sweetshop’).

“Pure glamour” attaches to Richard Caring “really classy” and “sophisticated” Mayfair A-lister – 007’s favourite lunch spot – which is “an ideal place to go celeb spotting… if you’re into that kind of thing”. Culinarily speaking, it’s famous for its “spanking fresh” fish and seafood (and vies with its stablemate J Sheekey as the capital’s top venue for such specialities) although it also offers “enough meat choices to keep the carnivores happy”. In terms of style, it’s “smart” and quite “formal”, which – together with its “silky smooth service” and “well-spaced tables” – makes it an “impressive” choice for entertaining and “clients love it” (although, by the same token, “the room can be overrun with business suits”, especially at lunch, robbing it of some of its habitual sparkle). Top Tip – “the terrace tables are great, weather permitting!”

“Excellent home-made pies” make this “always enjoyable” classic pub in Mayfair “worth a visit”. They’re backed up by a “super selection of ales, craft beers and wine”, a “gin terrace” and a “great pubby atmosphere” – “what more could you ask for?”