Lucy Locket lost her pocket
Kitty Fisher found it
Not a penny was there in it
Only ribbon round it
It doesn’t happen too often but I have some foodie mates from Birmingham who enjoy a boozy, foodie day out in London. We are, generally speaking, a well behaved bunch, out for some fun and some great food.
The Little House
The day started at The Little House , a private members club on Queen Street, Mayfair, for some lovely Ruinart champagne (something makes it taste even better midweek lunchtime!).
We ambled across the road into Shepherd Market and Kitty Fisher’s.
Shepherd Market has a somewhat sordid history as a renowned red light area and if you take a look around there are still a few red lit windows around. There are various interpretations of the meaning of the rhyme above. It is, however, likely that Shepherd Market had some connection which dates back to the 17/18 century. Kitty Fisher was a financially successful courtesan and has been painted a couple of times by Joshua Reynolds. Lucy Locket was less successful and was a barmaid with some misguided respect for Kitty. It could be that Lucy’s pocket was her bag which was always empty. A red ribbon was often recognised as something a prostitute was identified with at the time. I’ll leave it up to you to make up your own minds!
Kitty Fisher’s
Kitty Fisher’s is now a very successful and unassuming restaurant. It has been recognised as being one of the hottest tickets around for dinner, is a celebrity hangout but is an excellent eaterie.
It is owned by 2 former actors, Oliver Millburn (think Coronation Street and lots of TV) and his chum, Tom Mullion.
Chef is Tomos Parry, formerly of Climpson’s Arch in Hackney and Young Young British Foodie in 2014.
It is known for its wood grill and much of the turnout of food reflects a gorgeously smokey flavour. After a cheeky little Martinez Cocktail, starters included whipped cod roe, anchovies on toast, bread and burnt onion butter, lamb cutlets, steak tartare, crab and grilled langoustine. Yes, that was just for starters! Fave is always the dreamy cod roe and the inexplicably sensational burnt onion butter. Main course was a couple of Galician sirloins, wood grilled, with roasted pink fir potatoes.
I absolutely love this place for its great food, its lovely atmosphere with an open access kitchen and friendly and personable service. Oliver Millburn, thanks for your special attention. I can’t wait to go back.
Alfred Dunhill at Bourdon House
The day is not yet over and we move onto Alfred Dunhill at Bourdon House in Davies Street. Bourdon House is a unique property in so much as it is the only detached residential property in Mayfair. It is a stunningly beautiful building with a charming courtyard entrance to the ground floor menswear department. it also houses a spa and barbershop together with a fascinating corner where extravagant leather goods are made with the likes of whole python, ray and alligator skins. We were given a great demo by the leathersmith.
Its not too long before its drinkies time and we retire to that dreamy heated courtyard for coffees and just a little tipple. Thank you Billy for our VIP treatment.
The Beaumont Hotel
I suggested it was time to make way to my sleeping bag in Crouch End but, oh no, these guys are going to finish the day in style. So its off to The Beaumont Hotel. Is there anywhere left in Mayfair to go?
Now this is a new one on me but what a fabulous place. Its the first hotel from the ever successful Corbin and King empire. You know, they have some brilliant restaurants such as The Wolseley and The Delaunay amongst many other successful operations in London. Like all Corbin and King establishments it has a luxurious classical feel about it. The menu in The Colony Grill is also quite traditional and, I’m pleased to say, very affordable.
Of course, we settled for drinks in the stylish American Bar. Negronis all round to finish such a perfect day. Thanks guys.
Conrad, hope you recovered your lost goods from all over Mayfair.
Chicken Shop
Whilst we are in London, I mentioned above The Little House. This is part of another successful empire, Soho House Group.
Soho House have developed another successful brand called Chicken Shop.
Chicken Shops are mostly located in London suburbs such as Crouch End and Tooting. Centrally they have a restaurant in Holborn. We went to Crouch End. I think its a brilliant concept. Don’t go if you want a menu or if you are a veggie. Its all about chicken, spit roasted above charcoal. they have some great sides such as slaw, corn and great fries. The drinks list is also quite limited. The service was confused but as its a relatively new opening we forgave them. It’s recommended.