The Barley Mow Mayfair

British, Gastropub, Pubs·
££££
·
Silver Award
·

SquareMeal Review of The Barley Mow Mayfair

Silver Award

The latest in Cubitt House’s impressive expansion, The Barley Mow might just be the best location of the lot, on a street corner just up the road from Grosvenor Square. It’s a magnificent pub, split into a more casual downstairs boozer and a dining room upstairs, where chef director Ben Tish is working his usual magic.

The downstairs really feels spacious and light, with high ceilings helping to give a sense of grandeur. The 19th century building is actually Grade II listed and has been a pub for some two centuries, and Cubitt House has clearly spent a great deal of money on a faithful yet chic restoration. Upstairs, the dining room has a cosy, well-worn feel, whilst a royal blue colour palette and chandeliers contribute to a clubby atmosphere as the evening wears on.

Tish is an experienced operator, and he’s gone for a menu rooted in British classics, albeit with a pinch of Gallic influence. Pub snacks like the brown crab rarebit and sausage roll with brown sauce are top class - one could easily perch upstairs or down with a pint and a snack and enjoy a blissful lunch here. The Barley Mow also retains the British seafood focus of sister pubs like The Princess Royal in Notting Hill, with oysters, langoustines and steamed cockles on the menu, all of which are handled with care by the kitchen.

The ace in the hole here is the carvery, where daily roasted rare breed meats arrive tableside on a silver trolley with a variety of sides - like a Sunday roast, but everyday. Our lamb was magnificently cooked, served with the elastic pull of good aligot, and a beautiful glossy Madeira sauce.

Table side entertainment continues with crepe suzette and a baked Alaska, both flambeed by willing staff. Any pastry kitchen that can turn out baked Alaskas to order is something a bit special in our book. Cubitt House is really hitting a stride with this latest opening - certainly one of the best gastropubs in London.

Good to know

Average Price
££££ - £50 - £79
Cuisines
British, Gastropub, Pubs
Ambience
Cosy, Fine dining, Fun, Glamorous, Lively, Luxury, Quirky, Romantic, Traditional, Unique
Food Occasions
Dinner, Lunch, Sunday roast
Special Features
Gluten-free options, Vegetarian options
Perfect for
Birthdays, Celeb spotting, Celebrations, Child friendly, Dates, Group dining [8+], Romantic, Special occasions
Food Hygiene Rating

FAQs

Do I need to book?

Yes, you can book directly with SquareMeal or over the phone.

Helpful? 0

Who is the chef?

Ben Tish is chef director for Cubitt House group, and Christopher Fordham-Smith is the head chef at the restaurant.

Helpful? 0

Location

82 Duke Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 6JF

020 4553 1414 020 4553 1414

Website

Opening Times

All day
Mon 12:00-23:00
Tue 12:00-23:00
Wed 12:00-23:00
Thu 12:00-23:00
Fri 12:00-23:00
Sat 12:00-23:00
Sun 12:00-23:00

Reviews

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6 Reviews 
Food/Drink
Service
Atmosphere
Value

Diane L

09 May 2024   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Excellent pub

Romantic in table for 2 in the window. Excellent food and great ambiance in a great pub.

James H

10 April 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

A lovely hidden gem. I highly recommend it.

Kristian W

10 April 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 4
Atmosphere 2.5
Value 2

Food was amazing. Kind of no vibe type of place. Especially on a Sunday. Pricey but worth it. Nice to visit and staff was very friendly. 

MONIQUE J

10 April 2023   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 4
Service 3
Atmosphere 3
Value 4
Nice place when you have time to spare!

We went for an early Easter dinner reservation. The seated restaurant was upstairs and quite cozy. While the food was quite tasty, service was slow. We sat for 20 minutes before being offered a drink. Once we ordered the drinks we had to ask again for water. The meals did not take as long to come once ordered but the server seemed a bit overwhelmed with the amount of guests. I appreciate the server assuring that my roast was cooked a bit more as I asked after seeing other guests meals. I'd go back, with lower service expectations! 

Nancy B

03 January 2023  
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

One of the best Mayfair new openings

Donna H

12 December 2022   - Verified Diner
Food & Drink 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5

Loved it!

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