Giancarlo Mancino has certainly created his USP with his superb range of botanical cocktails at THE BAR. It’s hard to leave but I have a dinner reservation here at The Athenaeum. So Basilico Mojito in hand, I bid adieu to the master mixer and head for the Galvin restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel.
If you’re a foodie you need no introduction to the Michelin-starred Galvins (Bistrot de Luxe, Galvin La Chapelle and Galvin HOP). Brothers Chris and Jeff have created an all-day dining offering at The Athenaeum that includes breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, room service – and dinner.
I’ve an early sitting and the restaurant is quiet and peaceful – perfect for an early evening catch up with an old friend. The menu features a welcoming British influence, in addition to Galvin favourites such as the Galvin smoked salmon and steak tartare. The wide range of starters is very appealing. I loved the flavours and textures of my black figs, goat’s curd and Woodall’s Cumbrian air-dried ham.
My friend opted for the poached lobster and cauliflower salad. Both light on the palate and a perfect segue into the fish pie – and for me the Denham Estate venison with blackberries and celeriac. Cooked to perfection, the meat melted in my mouth. In the name of research I also tried my friend’s fish pie, which was creamy and full of chunky fish pieces. My wine – a Côtes de Rhône was the ideal accompaniment.
Dessert treats include sticky toffee pudding and Valrhona chocolate mousse. I made for the sorbet while my friend relished her floating island with vanilla and blackberries.
Superb and attentive service, combined with the masterful creations from the Galvin kitchen ensured a memorable and fun evening. Stylish and glamorous, and without pretension, THE BAR and Galvin at The Athenaeum are a welcome and sophisticated addition to the Mayfair restaurant scene.
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences – Where and How?
The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences: Located in Mayfair, The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences has 164 bedrooms, including 12 suites, 18 townhouse residences and The Penthouse Suite. The Penthouse Suite is available from £2,280 inc VAT.
Address: 116 Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7BJ Tel: +44 (0)20 7499 3464
Restaurant Reservations: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7640 3333 W: athenaeumhotel.com
Twitter: @TheAthenaeum Instagram: @theathenaeum
Tube: Green Park & Hyde Park Corner
Location: On Piccadilly, opposite Green Park and near Hyde Park. Moments from Shepherd’s Market and ?the rest of Mayfair. Close to Buckingham Palace and all the historic and cultural locations of interest including the Royal Academy of Art, the Handel House Museum, the Burlington Arcade, Savile Row and Berkeley Square.
Mancino Vermouth
W: www.mancinovermouth.com
E: [email protected]
T: +44 7787 917 548
KINNERSELEY KENT DESIGN
www.kkd.co.uk
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