Review: Mews of Mayfair Bar and Restaurant
Monday, December 6, 2010 at 11:41PM I know I keep you a-mews-ed but I feel I'm being used
Tucked behind the bustling roads of Mayfair is a tiny winding alleyway where Mews of Mayfair resides. We were out on Friday night, celebrating two of our closest friends’ birthdays at this dapper bar. We had been to Mews briefly for London Cocktail Week in October and were eager to take it for a full spin.
The fact that Mews is in this tiny almost clandestine nook of the world makes it a special place. The dark, sombre, moody tones are sultry. Sexy, serious and a cut above a regular bar, Mews...oozes “it”. Then there was Keith and I. We had a curtain pole emergency and were forced to pit-stop at John Lewis. We arrived late looking like Merlin and Gandalf on a night out. I was worried that the Mews bouncers may have prevented us from entering with two 1.8m curtain poles. I had a repertoire of excuses ready ("We thought it was a themed party. He's Rod Stewart, I'm Roman Polanski"). I was prepared for combat and practised a few light sabre-esque moves with my pole on the down escalators in JL. However, you may-be surprised to discover it is shockingly easy to go drinking in London with a pole. We waltzed straight in.
When we arrived, my friends laughed at us with subdued a-Mews-ment when they saw our poles. They're used to my weirdness. They signalled to one of the cavelike, intimate alcoves that adorn the lower floor, where we could relieve ourselves of the poles. An obvious "staff room" snipe was uttered.
De-robed of our burdens, we immediately hit the bar. The English Summer Garden was the flavour of choice for me, whilst Keith hit the Royale Mojito. These drinks were swiftly made and dangerously delicious. It's quite possible I drank it as quickly as it had been prepared. My friends eyed my champagne cocktail and the next second I spied a round being ordered.
There was another Berry (very berry cocktail) and then disaster- Veuve Cliquot!
It was one of those nights where you feel like you are freewheeling downhill on a bike, but with no brakes. You know you should care, but for those few minutes you want to see where it will go! The service continued to be swift, which was also mighty dangerous. I eyed the jeroboam of Cristal behind the bar and pondered. Realising that an uncontrollable situation was arising, I figured I had better order food. The menu seemed strange to me. You may have expected for there to have been a choice of platters or sharing dishes. However, most snacks were individual in nature. I remember wondering who at 11pm would choose a lettuce salad with boiled egg and bacon or fish and chips. Confused and champagne fuelled, I haphazardly ordered enough to at least feed five (and some). I chose the steak sandwich, halloumi, two club sandwiches and chunky chips.
The food was prepared and served very quickly. I was impressed by the service. My club sandwich hit the spot. The steak sandwich looked impressive. The halloumi was my least favourite. Halloumi does not need to be fried, rather a minute in a griddle pan, a squeeze of lemon and chopped parsley is all it needs. The menu did not say that the club and steak sandwiches were served with chips, and I ordered extra on top of that. It would have been helpful to have known.
We must have been in a vortex, because the next time I checked my watch, it was dangerously close to our last train. Reluctantly, poles in hand we left and waded home. We had a fabulous time in Mews of Mayfair. I can say with certainty that we will return.
Related Posts
London, Mews of Mayfair, Restaurant, bars, cocktail, drinks, food in Bars And Pubs, Restaurants 
Reader Comments (1)
One of my favourite bars in London. The bar has a clubby vibe and its restaurant has an eclectic menu. A must try if you are in the Mayfair area. holiday park