Five reasons to visit The Barley Mow

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that nothing beats a proper British pub and tucked between Bond Street station and Grosvenor Square is one of Mayfair’s finest drinking holes, The Barley Mow. Here, casual pints, original features and dark-walled decor are washed down with a handsome upstairs restaurant dishing up top-notch hearty classics.

The go-to Mayfair boozer

There’s a reason why The Barley Mow has been dubbed Mayfair’s best pub. Firstly, this place still actually feels like a pub, the sort of place you tumble into after work for a pint or glass of wine, perching on a bar stool or holing away inside for a chatter, surrounded by gorgeous etched-glass windows and the deep varnish sheen of a bar that whips out chilled pints, ales, wine and everything in between. There’s a tempting bar menu - think duck and wild garlic Scotch eggs or sausage rolls with homemade brown sauce - perfect for soaking up the drinks.

A cosy upstairs dining room

Up the narrow staircase and you’ll quickly realise that The Barley Mow has more than one string to its bow - the elegant dining room on the first floor is a local hotspot, where starch-white tablecloths and views of pretty old Mayfair brick await. And then there’s the food, which really is a triumph here - from pie and liquor to crispy chicken and wild garlic kiev or poached sea trout with fennel and tarragon cream - we suggest you come with a rumbling tummy.

Best of British

The Barley Mow in Mayfair is all about provenance, with an emphasis on sourcing produce from the British isles at its seasonal best. All the meat comes from high welfare farms in the UK and Ireland. Sustainable-farmed seafood comes from The Wright Brothers, through their Brixham Market depot on the Devon coast, whole fruit and veg is sourced through New Covent Garden Market, from the finest UK and European farms and growers.

Atmosphere and decor

Understandably, things are alive and kicking here on Friday and Saturday nights as workers and locals pack this place to the rafters. The weekdays are just as buzzy, with live music on Wednesdays and Thursdays, the perfect backdrop to a well-earned drink. Soak up the atmosphere from one of the stools by the window, people-watching as you go. Meanwhile, the upstairs restaurant has a relaxed, welcoming ambience, with velvet benches and vintage-style lamps on tables (The Barley Mow was purchased by Cubitt House in 2022, a company known for its glossy, chic London pub makeovers - including the Alfred Tennyson in Knightsbridge and the Princess Royal in Notting Hill).

Location

An unbeatable location, The Barley Mow is situated in a Grade II-listed Mayfair corner building on Duke Street, between Grosvenor Square and Oxford Street, on the corner of Brown Hart Gardens, just a two-minute stroll from Bond Street tube station.

FAQs

What is the history of The Barley Mow in London?

The Barley Mow dates back to the 1800s when the area surrounding Duke Street began development thanks to a warrant of The Grosvenor Estate and thus, it quickly garnered a reputation as the go-to neighbourhood pub in historic Mayfair. It has been part of the Cubitt House group since September 2022.

What can I expect from The Barley Mow London's menu?

The menu at the Barley Mow is full of hearty British classics, alongside more casual bar snacks. From breakfast bacon butties and homemade sausage rolls to the more refined dishes served in the upstairs restaurant including milk and honey lamb gigot steak. 

What are the reviews like for The Barley Mow?

The reviews for The Barley Mow are positive. Diners commented on TripAdvisor that “quality and portion size was exceptional” and commended the warm service and atmosphere of the pub. One reviewer said, “What a beautiful pub. Loved the atmosphere” adding that staff made them “feel like locals from the get-go” while another called it the “friendliest and most comfortable pubs we’ve been to.”

What are the standout dishes on The Barley Mow London's menu?

If you’re heading to The Barley Mow, standout dishes worth trying include the hot meat bun, a brioche roll stacked with slices of slow-cooked beef and pickles, with a jug of extra gravy on the side. For mains, go for the beef pie with creamy mash and parsley sauce (deep-fried oyster optional) or the lemon sole, with mussels and saffron velouté. Leave space for the lemon meringue pie, served with lashings of Scottish raspberries. 

How expensive is The Barley Mow, London?

Prices at the Barley Mow start at around £7.50-£15 for bar snacks while main dishes in the upstairs restaurant range from £23-£36. Puddings are priced at £10, while house wines start at £8 a glass, and pints start at £6.70.