The Maine Mayfair

Set within a grand Georgian townhouse on Hanover Square, The Maine’s New-England-inspired Brasserie leans fully into its theatricality. With long evenings of cabaret-style entertainment and a pulsing subterranean dining room, this is the epitome of swanky Mayfair, drawing a well-heeled and occasionally star-studded clientele who can’t resist the promise of dinner and a show.

There’s no subtlety here - The Maine is pure glitz and glam. A sprawling chandelier anchors the room, presiding over a stage where a four-piece band works through a repertoire of jazz standards. Every table faces the performance, ensuring diners are part of the action - a moody ambience punctuated by soft tabletop lamps. Beyond the main room, the building unfolds across multiple levels, including a covered terrace and an exclusive speakeasy hidden behind a secret door for those in the know.

We start with tuna tartare; delicate cubes of fish, neatly composed on a layer of creamy avocado, with a soy-ginger dressing bringing it to life with sweetness and acidity. Wonton crisps are a playful addition, bringing a gentle crunch to each bite. There’s plenty to explore from the raw bar, but freshly shucked oysters keep things classic; ice-cold, briny, and brightened with lemon and a dash of Tabasco - reason enough to swing by during happy hour for half a dozen and a glass of fizz.

Mains are equally indulgent. Tomato-laced linguine arrives flecked with shrimp and prickling with subtle heat, whilst salt-crusted filet mignon is perfectly pink. There’s confidence in the dishes - simplistic but spot on with their execution. A grilled seabass brings the same promise, arriving whole with tender flesh that practically falls from the bone. It’s lifted by lemon and offset by a rich fennel salad, though a little more crispness to the skin would have taken it to the next level.

Desserts continue the New England feel; a golden soft-centre cookie, oozing under a scoop of vanilla ice cream, is an instant crowd-pleaser. Elsewhere, a key lime pie layers thick citrus curd with billowing meringue clouds for a lighter, and tangier, finish. More classics, impeccably executed.

The Maine is unapologetically extravagant, and infectious with its energy. Prices may be high, but this is a place to dress up, settle in, and enjoy a night full of spectacle.

The buildings that line the streets of Mayfair are both magnificent and mysterious, and one often wonders what lies behind the grand exteriors. For the historical townhouse located at 20 Hanover Square, we need not guess, for the Grade II listed building is home to New England inspired Brasserie The Maine. It’s one of the only Georgian buildings on the square and features 350 covers across five rooms over three floors, with a year-round hidden terrace nestled in the former stables of the townhouse.  

Rich with British heraldry, style and elegance, the five rooms include The Drawing Room, The Tavern, The Terrace, The Brasserie and The Saint Arium. Each room has been designed in collaboration with Brady Williams, blending old and new world styles. Expect high quality brasserie favourites and warm service and ambience, with a side order of revelry and mischief.  

The menu is designed to evoke casual decadence, from the raw bar to market salads to grilled fish and steak cuts. Starters served in The Brasserie (which seats 120) include New England clam chowder and Maine lobster rolls, while mains feature steak frites, spicy shrimp linguine and mussels mariniere. Or, take your pick from a seafood bounty at the raw bar, which serves seafood towers, fashionable crudo and oysters galore. 

The Tavern, which has been designed in the style of a British pub, offers a bar snack menu featuring pork belly, crispy fish tacos and oysters rockefeller as well as a buzzing happy hour which is great for post-work drinks. 

While The Terrace is a 100-cover space that’s atmospheric by day and seductive by night. Sit here for everything from brunch to lunch to evening drinks. It also hosts a Shuck Fest (£1 a shuck) and Sunday roasts.   

Finally, The Drawing Room is slightly smaller with 60 covers and features a chandelier, cocktail bar and banquettes that add retro touches to the room. Here, guests can dine for breakfast, a fixed lunch menu, or sip on martinis at the bar.