If you’re looking for the perfect way to spend time together and indulge in a little ‘us’ time, then why not visit Mayfair?
The neighbourhood is full to brimming with fabulous things for couples to do so, whilst you’re discovering new things, you can also rediscover each other – finding out what makes you both tick. And if you’re feeling in a celebratory mood, why not go your separate ways for a while whilst you’re in the area to hunt down the perfect thing for your better half, before meeting again to exchange gifts over a well-earned cocktail and a romantic meal.
Dining
Sublime elegance
Reopening this summer, one of Mayfair’s best loved hotels, The Beaumont is a welcome return to all that is good about life. The sleek Art Deco interiors have been rethought and refurbished and it’s the perfect place to have the most marvellous date. There are a variety of places to choose from when dinner and drinks are on your mind including The Lounge – which has undergone a dramatic transformation to become a relaxed and intimate all- dining space. If you want to have an afternoon tea date to remember, this is the place to do it – along with live piano music to serenade you. If you’re looking for an al fresco vibe – then this is the first time you can do it at The Beaumont on the sheltered outdoor terrace facing Brown Hart Gardens surrounded by lush greenery, where you’ll be able to enjoy a light menu and drinks. For something altogether more sumptuous, book a table at the Colony Grill – the most glamorous grill room in town – which has kept its clubby Twenties New York atmosphere but has been joined by new murals and art works and is serving up transatlantic favourites using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
The Beaumont, Brown Hart Gardens, Mayfair W1K 6TF
Freedom Fayre
This Michelin starred restaurant calls its cooking style ‘Liberated Nanyan Cooking’. Why? They believe in heritage and freedom in equal portions, which makes choosing this restaurant a thrilling option. Nanyang is a culinary heritage originating from the southern seas of china – a region that has been blessed with a tropical climate, rich with diverse spices, produce and cooking techniques. The respect for heritage is balanced beautifully with the freedom to innovate and evolve Chinese cooking, which has resulted in the most delicious foodie rebellion. So why not go on a foodie odyssey together and discover something new?
65 South Audley Street, Mayfair W1k 2QU
Dolce Vita
This is the place to stop in your tracks and take a moment. A moment to breathe in the delicious aroma of homemade authentic pizza, to understand the true meaning of provenance. At Delfinos, it’s all about the best ingredients from Italy, prepared with loving care to create a medley of irresistible pizzas, made to order. If you’re not in a pizza mood, then choose from a selection of pasta, grills, meat and daily specials from this talented and passionate team of foodies. Favourites include arancini di riso e mozzarella and their take on calzone, which is a work of art.
121a Mount Street, Mayfair W1K 3NW
The Wandering Palette
Presenting art on a plate, Jean-Georges at the Connaught is true find. World-renowned chef Jean Georges Vongerichten, who is known for creating imaginative menus is inspired, this time, by the city and also brings to the table his love of the Far East. With a host of farm to table produce on offer, to tempt and delight, it’s time to rediscover the world. Their much loved (and missed) pizzas – black truffle, prosciutto or asparagus and spiced salami editions are back, so everyone can heave a sigh of relief.
The Connaught Hotel, Carlos Place, Mayfair W1K 2AL
Star dishes
Nothing can be finer than sharing some robatayaki cuisine and sushi. For the uninitiated, robatayaki is a cooking method which involves placing seafood and vegetables over hot charcoal – and Roka is famous for it – and its award winning dishes. The seasonal tasting menu is a must and includes such delights as sea bream fillet, ryotei miso and red onion and yaki asparagus with sweet soy and sesame. Sharing has never felt so good.
30 North Audley Street, Mayfair W1K 6ZF
Neighbourhood Connections
If you’re looking for a little bit of healthy indulgence, head to NAC, a neighbourhood restaurant in Mayfair, inspired by the table lined cafés of Paris – romance at its finest. Enjoy dining all day long with globally inspired comfort food – favourites for lunch include rigatoni alla vodka, basil, chili and Parmigiano- Reggiano or the irresistible and original take on the fish finger sandwich, the fish bun with panko cod, tartare sauce and pickled jalapeño.
41 North Audley Street, Mayfair W1K 6ZP
Al fresco treats
This is Mercato Metropolitano’s second site and is a cultural hub and sustainable community market, which sings of provenance. There are two levels of food halls along with a gorgeous rooftop terrace – so visit for the real meaning of al fresco and grab a bit of the dolce vita. Venture downstairs to the vaulted crypt basement to experience an authentic wine cellar with fresh cuts, world cheeses and a microbrewery. Check out the events and cookery classes where you can come together and learn the true meaning of fresh, sustainable living.
St. Mark’s Church, N Audley St, Mayfair W1K 6ZA
Authentic Flavours
Where to go when you want an authentic Indian dining experience? Look no further than Jamavar, which takes you to the heart of fine Indian dining. Named after the intricate and vibrant 16th century shawls of Kashmir, this restaurant is the last word in Indian cuisine and has been the meeting point for master chefs from the royal kitchens of the north to the creators of incredible cooking techniques from the Southern shores, to create delightful dishes to tempt and please.
There are also a series of fun taster plates alongside signature Jamavar dishes, which will take you on a magical culinary ride. With cocktails that will blow your mind including unique takes on traditional delights – including gin and tonic signature drinks with an exotic union of herbs, roots and spices from their own botanical garden. How could you possibly resist?
8 Mount Street, Mayfair W1K 3NF
Sustainable chic
Introducing Browns Brook Street’s first ever restaurant – Native at Browns. The team from Native, pioneers of ethical dining, present their award winning menu to Mayfair – homing in on truly seasonal produce and foraged ingredients. Standing up for Britain’s culinary heritage, founders Imogen and Ivan have created an innovative, wild and sustainable menu, which fits perfectly with the philosophy of its new home, Browns. Foraging for food is much like foraging for fashion they say, it’s all about the delight of discovering something rare, delicious and seasonal and putting it together for the perfect fit. Come and try some fun dining together and do something good for the planet.
39 Brook Street, Mayfair W1K 4AH
Best of both worlds
Comptoir Café & Wine is a café by day and wine bar by night and manages to slide from one to another with perfect ease. This is a dream for any brunch aficionados, who enjoy the good things in life. Order their incredible coffee whilst you peruse the brunch menu – one of the best in Mayfair and recharge your batteries. Tuck into an impossibly healthy superfood salad or an irresistible full breakfast with bacon, avocado, mushrooms and eggs anyway you like with a fresh pressed juice. A perfect way to catch up whilst you watch the world go by.
21 -22 Weighhouse Street, Mayfair W1K 5LY
Sharing cultures
Lucky Cat is the Michelin starred chef’s homage to Asian cooking and is the place to try a selection of inspired small plates, Robata grilled dishes, sushi and sashimi – which are crafted in the open kitchen and signature raw bar. Executive chef Ben Orpwood has designed each dish to be shared and with dishes like crispy tofu and avo bao buns and tuna and shiso tartare, you may not really want to share, however much love you’re in! If you’re interested in getting involved with the chef’s table, choose from Kori (for up to 6 guests) to Kasai (individual seating) where the menu changes every day. If good surprises are your passion, this is your lucky day.
10 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair W1k 6JP
Sharing the Love
Burger & Lobster is open about their obsession. They make no secret of the fact that they focus in on excelling with two ingredients. The clue’s in the name. The result? Wild fresh Atlantic lobsters (and prime burgers) that will blow your mind. Try the lobster croquettes or crispy calamari as a starter and the lobster royale (buttermilk fried lobster tail, lettuce, lobster mayo and homemade pickles on a brioche burger bun) is something special. If you prefer a combo, an absolute must is their signature B & L combo.
26 Binney Street, Mayfair W1K 5BL
Hélène Darroze at the Connaught
Thoughtfully curated
This three Michelin-star restaurant is a feast for the senses. Each dish is grounded in the firm belief that seasonal and local is best and the ingredients are sourced from the farmers, makers and growers that have been carefully chosen by Hélène herself. True foodie love in action. The menu is a true reflection of your personal tastes so once you have chosen your ingredients, the chefs then transform them into original works of art. Once tasted never forgotten.
The Connaught, Carlos Place, Mayfair W1K 2AL
Seasonal Sensation
The Terrace is the last word in al fresco. Foliage covered ‘living’ walls cosy up to comfortable seating and the addition of the ceiling heaters make this a great outdoor restaurant to spend quality time – even when the spring nights turn a little bit chilly. Seasonally inspired menus feature a host of dishes of wood fired fish and meats, fresh seafood, signature salads and plant based plates. Featuring flavours from around the world, close your eyes and enjoy the aroma from the open grill whilst you enjoy the great outdoors. Open Wed- Sun 12pm – 10pm.
44 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair W1K 2HP
Drinks
Le Magritte Bar at The Beaumont
Louche glamour
Re-opening in August and completely relocated and redesigned as a 30 seater standalone bar – Le Magritte Bar captures the exuberance, elegance and fabulous louche qualities that were all the rage in ‘those’ American bars that became legendary in London and Paris during the roaring 1920’s. Close your eyes and think of some of the baddest literary angels around like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway, vibrant entertainers like Josephine Baker and Louis Armstrong and latter day superstars like the Rat Pack. If they were around, they’d be here – living it up in this incredible bar, entering through the dramatic backlit alabaster columns, which open directly off the main lobby. American whiskies and cocktails – from jazz-age classics to Sinatra’s favourite Rusty Nail – are here to be discovered. Bring your best self for the bestest time.
The Beaumont, Brown Hart Gardens, Mayfair W1K 6TF
Glamour in a glass
The last word in louche cocktails, Claridge’s Bar Terrace is the place for incredible drinks and plates. Check out their new menu, inspired by the Mediterranean and sip on one of their legendary cocktails. The Flapper is a classic and was created when they first opened their doors in 1998. The drink references the impossibly glamourous ‘Flapper’ ladies during the Art Deco period and the cocktail is a fabulous blend of strawberry, cassis and champagne. If champagne is more your scene, you’ve come to the right place. Claridge’s is the expert – and has a champagne chapter and verse menu of possibilities. For small plates, think beef carpaccio with peppery rocket or white truffle pizza and citrusy spaghtettini. Perfect!
Claridge’s Brook Street, Mayfair W1K 4HR
A seafood institution
Scott’s was originally opened as an oyster warehouse in 1851 and being amongst the five oldest restaurants in London, has kept true to its history. Established as one of the most fashionable and glamourous restaurants in town, Scott’s has welcomed film stars, politicians and writers through the decades. Rumour has it that it’s where lothario and all round hero, James Bond’s famous dry martini ‘shaken not stirred’ was created, as Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming was a regular visitor. With outdoor seating at the front of this grande dame of restaurants, why not enjoy the taste of the coast while you watch the world go by on Mount Street? Feeling cocktail whimsical? Try a Jabberwocky with Wyborowa vodka, passion fruit and bitters or a Brumble with Havana rum lime juice and mint syrup.
20 Mount Street, Mayfair W1K 2HE
Sophistication in a glass
If you’re looking for quiet elegance, head for The Pine Bar at The Biltmore Mayfair, where you’ll be transfixed by some of the best cocktails in Mayfair. This oasis of calm specialises in being as innovative as they can be. Try the Perfect Hive – which celebrates the 274,000 honey bee hives found around the country or if you fancy a Ploughman’s – then go for it – this long drink is earthy and smokey and inspired by the traditional ploughman’s, with quintessentially British botanical flavours. A place to kick back and enjoy each other’s company, The Biltmore is just the beginning of a beautiful evening.
44 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair W1K 2HP
The art of drinking
The Connaught Bar in Mayfair is like stepping into another world. In today’s fast paced environment many of us forget the vital importance of our surroundings when enjoying a sublime experience. This is the place to come – where fashion goes out of the window and style sits in pole position. The décor here is exemplary, created by David Collins Studio – and echoes the spirit of English and Irish Cubist art of the experimental 1920’s. Here you’ll find all you desire from a cocktail too. Mixologists with years of experiences and oodles of ideas are here to conjure up new concoctions to surprise and delight or make you a time-honoured favourite. The choice is yours. From day to night, the vibe is relaxed and purposeful – and is the perfect place for a light snack, evening canapés and an introduction to the very best way to enjoy your drink of choice. Don’t come here to have a quick drink, come here to luxuriate in bar splendour and enjoy the romance of the surroundings.
The Connaught Hotel, Carlos Place, Mayfair W1K 2AL
The Bar at Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay
Take a chance
Celebrating the spirited excitement of Tokyo in the 1930’s where Kissa Clubs (Happening bars) and Shangai drinking dens were all the rage, this unique space is an incredible bar – where you can find your fortune – as far as great cocktails are concerned. In keeping with Gordon Ramsey’s preference to walk on the wild side, this bar echoes the excellence, exuberance and cheeky detail that we’ve all come to expect from this impresario. Expect clean and elegant flavours to tickle your taste buds with such delights as Shiso Smash – roku gin, shiso leaves and lemon or why not align your chi with a cocktail of the same name – grey goose, l’vanille, homemade ‘coffee shu’, cinnamon and expresso? Feeling lucky? Take a gamble on the Lucky Negroni – a roll of three dice seals the fate of your drink – and with 216 combinations of gin, vermouth and bitters, you can only win.
10 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair W1K 6JP
