Mayfair
Automat
Posted by crackberry in Everything, Mayfair, Places to Eat on September 1, 2009
American food as it’s supposed to be. Simple diner style dishes – steaks, burgers, brunches – are cooked with competence and class, delivered as the comfort dishes they are. The décor is half dark wood booths and half bright tiled space with an open kitchen, which along with the background warbling of Sinatra and Monroe lends the place an old school vibe that is buzzy and yet relaxed. Those trying to maintain some semblance of January restraint will be glad to know that there are plenty of lighter options available. A great all rounder, this place will suit most occasions.
Price: £40pp. 33 Dover Street, Green Park, W1S 4NF. Tel: 0207 499 3033. Web: www.automat-london.com
Taman Gang
Posted by crackberry in Everything, Mayfair, Mayfair, Places to Drink, Places to Eat on September 1, 2009
If you’re looking for effortless appeal you could do a lot worse than this ice cool player of a venue. Whilst now ubiquitous pan Asian food may be the intended focus here, its truly stunning interior and fabulous cocktails are what make this place stand out from the crowd. Follow the stairs down from the unassuming threshold and you’ll suddenly find yourself emerging into a modern Eastern labyrinth where marble fittings and dimmed spotlights frame the imposing bar. It may be expensive, but you’ll feel like a million dollars.
141 Park lane, Marble Arch, W1K 7AA. Tel: 0871 0757284. Web: www.tamangang.com
The Lucky Spot
Posted by crackberry in Everything, Mayfair, Places to Eat on August 28, 2009
Lucky Spot earns its keep by effectively offering an authentic Italian godmother for hire, complete with home cooked food and eccentric banter. Individual wooden booths combine with the hostess’s effusive chat to ensure that you feel like you’re the sole patrons, whilst the rustic furnishings maintain the familial atmosphere. The menu is a short collection of Italian classics that should please most, and whilst Mayfair has never built its reputation on value for money, the Lucky Spot doesn’t do too badly at all. Ideal for catching up with friends or a laid back date.
Price: £30-40pp. 14 North Audley St, Bond St, W1K 6WE. Tel: 020 7493 0277.
Quaglinos
Posted by crackberry in Everything, Mayfair, Places to Eat on August 28, 2009
If ‘society restaurants’ are your thing, then check out Quaglinos: deceptively understated in its outward appearance, the inside is a feast of old-style English glamour. Within moments of entering, a doorman appears from nowhere to take your coat and you’re swept off your feet by barmen offering cosmopolitan cocktails to sip at the stylish bar before descending the ornate staircase to the dining floor. The conservatory style ceiling and twinkling skylights combine to create a starry night sky, and the tables are far enough apart so you don’t end up engrossed in the juicy gossip of the couple next to you whilst your date harps on about the recession… yawn. With the sniff of New York style decadence and a whiff of Paris style nonchalance this place has it all. For a hot date where first impressions are crucial, this restaurant will certainly fit the bill…
Price: £20ph. 16 Bury Street, SW1Y 6AJ. Tel: 0207 930 6767. Web: www.quaglinos.co.uk