What: A new restaurant that’s been previously billed as inspired by ‘the historic taverns of London and New York’ with a menu celebrating traditional British and global fare. Motcombs Mayfair takes over the site that previously housed Jason Atherton’s Mary, which traded for less than year having itself taken over from Atherton’s Pollen Street Social, the chef’s Michelin-starred flagship that closed in July last year having launched in 2011. Atherton announced earlier this month that Motcombs was taking over the site saying ‘the time was right’ to let it go.
Who: The group behind Motcombs also operates a restaurant in St John’s Wood that launched at the tail end of last year. However, it is best known for its original Motcombs in Belgravia, which opened in 1982 and traded until earlier this year. The kitchen at Motcombs Mayfair is being led by Rafal Nowack, who currently oversees the kitchen of Motcombs St John’s Wood and previously cooked at Pollen Street Social. Darren Selby, formerly of Goodmans and Langan’s Brasserie, is the restaurant’s GM, and James Smith, formerly of The Ivy West Street, is running the bar.
The food: Nowack’s menu is broad and takes inspiration from modern European and British cuisine. Signature dishes from the launch menu include a rosti with Oscietra caviar and cream fraiche; hand cut steak tartare with black garlic, pickles and a quail egg yolk; and duck ragu pappardelle with parmesan. The menu also includes prime cuts of beef that’s dry aged in house and cooked over woodfire, as well as classics from the original Motcombs Belgravia menu including shepherd’s pie; fish and chips; and vodka penne. Prices start at around the £12 mark for small plates and starters with larger dishes primarily pitched at between £20 and £30.
To drink: The drinks menu features a selection of cocktails alongside draught beers, ales and Guinness, and a list of wines and Champagne.
The vibe: Located a short walk from Oxford Circus and Regent Street, Motcombs Mayfair features a 65-cover restaurant space alongside a wooden topped bar, open kitchen, and a covered terrace for 18 guests, the latter of which will open for summer. The décor is described as ‘sophisticated yet relaxed’ with limewash walls, wooden panelling and brass fixtures.
And another thing: Beyond the food and drink offering, Motcombs Mayfair will play host to a curated calendar of events including weekly live jazz every Thursday evening between 8pm and 10pm in the bar.
8-10 Pollen Street, London W1S 1NG // motcombsmayfair.co.uk