HUNter 486 Review

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Cinderella, move over. Your glass slippers won’t make much of a statement here at HUNter 486. Tonight, I’m the princess. Tonight, it will be my shoes tapping on the marble (I think) floors as I delicately walk over to the bar. Oh alright, I’ll wobble, but still, Cindy’s dress wouldn’t compete for the aesthetically inclined eye: a chic glass champagne bar and chiffon drapes, plus isolating romantic spaces for starry-eyed couples.

Enter HUNter 486 restaurant: the perpetual hard financial times of the so called ‘recession’ are nonexistent here. In fact, who said there were any poor people in the world anyway? Out of sight, out of mind. Put on your heirs and graces, dears. There ain’t much space for ‘new money’ gals in this here restaurant. Brazen chatter will be replaced with eloquent discourse. You wouldn’t want to bring attention to yourself in this intimate affair – businessmen dressed in suits, dotted around, quietly talking over wine and beer.

Luckily I was wearing black. I felt as though I needed to blend into my surroundings like a sleek black panther. Anything a little on the colourful side might render a raised eyebrow. Having come to terms with the fact that I probably couldn’t laugh too loudly, or entertain my date with my usual outrageous conversation, it was time to get to the bones of the matter.... that being the lamb shanks with mashed potato.

Since I can remember, my stomach has been adverse to lamb, and as for mashed potato, eeeeuuuuwww! So, my way of testing a really good chef, is to always ask for something I don’t like (I have no shame in admitting my idiosyncratic tendencies, friends). One tentative, petite bite at a time and it was finished. I was pleased, and all considering, would even label it delicious. My date’s pork belly was anything but belly up, being hoovered up in a jiffy.

Desserts were intriguing. The restaurant employs a pastry chef (a master chocolatier from Austria). That said, we’re not talking Yorkshire puddings and apple turnovers. No, think coin sized éclairs with coats resembling porcelain that have been hand-painted in Thailand; intricately designed and ornamental. Would the staff have been insulted if I had not eaten them, and stole them away to display on my ornaments tray instead?

After dessert, we were lead into the Martini Library, a reminder of the “Golden age of Broadway”. I pictured gentlemen in 1950’s hats, relaxing in thought, surrounded by puffs of cigar smoke. Here, with a touch of a button, service is at hand for a top up at any point, while you lounge around eating éclairs and, of course, sipping martinis.

HUNter 486 (name derived from the dialling code used in the old days), is one of Marble Arch’s newest additions, a fine compliment to the 5-star Hotel it’s nested in. This fine, delicate restaurant is an ambassador for the aspects of Marble Arch’s opulent reputation. All but one, that is. Classy – yes. Suave service – yes. Pricey – NO. Mains average about £13.50.

As in a dream, it was time to wake up and snap out of it. By now, my shoes were pinching, my dress prodding me, and Cinderella’s coach was just about to leave. Oh alright then, I’ll be honest. I had to muster up a cantered, barefoot plod to catch the bus.

Good bye HUNter 486. I shall see you again. And thanks to the reasonably priced food and drink, I can.
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Philippa Morton 06 Apr 2010

HUNter 486 Description

Named after the 1950s district dialling code for Marylebone, HUNter 486 is a new neighbourhood bar and restaurant on the ground floor of The Arch London, an elegant townhouse hotel which opened last month. The boutique bolt hole is made up of two areas: The Martini Library and an open plan Kitchen area with a Cocktail Bar and Salon de Champagne. HUNter 486 is an ideal spot for West End shoppers, Marylebone locals and visitors to the area to drop in anytime of day for a bite to eat, refreshment, relaxation or just a secret rendez-vous in elegant surroundings.

Customer Reviews for HUNter 486

Average (based on 2 votes): 2 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of HUNter 486.

“This is a really gorgeous place. You can have a really romantic time here if you want. It is not too crowded at all but not too empty either. I just love the service. The food is perfect, and so reasonably well priced.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
jackie, london (3 years 2 months 12 days ago)

“We just stayed in this hotel for six days. We ate breakfast here all six days and dinner twice. All I can say is "phenomenal"!! There were three of us staying at The Arch London so we managed to rotate through every menu offering. There was nothing I did not like. Excellent vibe, contemporary decor, organized friendly staff. I highly recommend the restaurant for any meal or just cocktails!”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Tempa Berish, Philadelphia PA USA (3 years 2 months 20 days ago)

HUNter 486 Opening Hours

Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: British
• Average Price: £40.00
• Dress Code: Casual
• Website: Visit the HUNter 486 website
• Group: Independent