Chez Chow

Mayfair’s relaxed French bistro, NAC, has rebooted its basement bar and renamed it in honour of Teddy the chow chow – the diminutive pet dog of head chef/co-patron, Jeremy Coste. The look is now Rive Gauche retro chic pepped up with chinoiserie and canine portraits, setting the scene for a menu of appetising snacks and fine cocktails. Anticipate classic libations with a twist: a Popcorn Sazerac (£11) made with agave syrup, aged Old Fashioneds, homemade G&Ts, and pimped-up bloody Marys. The upmarket bar food gives an Asian spin to the likes of sticky pork ribs, popcorn shrimp with spicy sriracha mayo (the prawns coated in a tempura-like batter), pork belly slider and kimchi en brioche, but it also incorporates charcuterie boards and a truffled cheese toastie. Expect Teddy to make the occasional appearance in the bar: he likes hanging out here.