Mews of Mayfair (Bar, Restaurant)

Best for: Made In Britain British cuisine.

Great: wine and meat dishes.

I’ve had enough. I don’t appreciate the strange yellow thing in the sky peeping out now and then just to torment and trick me. Many years ago, I used to see it regularly. Now, my winter coat has worn through, my leather gloves are filthy, my warm woolly hat is losing its shape, and I’m definitely not getting enough Vitamin D. I’m close to having a meltdown.

A spring that’s colder than winter is nothing to be proud of. Britain is not in my good books at the moment, and I feel like The Big Guy must be having a laugh at us mere mortals, freezing our butts off. Thanks, God. Or is it ‘Thanks be to God’?

What I can say for sure, though, is thank God for food glorious food. And the UK can somewhat redeem herself if you find yourself eating at the British restaurant, Mews of Mayfair. For here, there are colours and warmth and tastes to remind you of what Made in Britain really means.

There are many Made in Britain things we can proud of - The Royal Family; beautiful architecture; a rich history; the NHS (ahem) - but traditionally, wine is not our pride and joy. I bet you never would’ve thought that we can actually grow grapes, and produce wine; certainly not without the presence of that weird yellow ball that sometimes appears in the sky.

Yet, believe me, we can, and to prove it, I recommend you try a very unique Kent wine called Bacchus Reserve. With just a swirl and a sniff on chilly evening, I already felt better and enjoyed its fresh qualities, and uniquely not-too-fruity flavours. And coupled with the best scallops I’ve ever tasted, it was starting to warm my heart again. If only the Made in Britain weather would do the same.

The menu at Mews restaurant is completely UK-sourced; so at least you know you’re unlikely to be eating horse meat; now, that’s national pride.

Horse meat: no. Calves livers: YES! I’m always up for a challenge and I know that livers are packed with nutrition. Having never sampled calves livers before (aside from in pate), I couldn’t resist such an interesting dish jumping out of this British menu. With a deep breath I decided to go for it.

Britain is a generous nation. We raised £75 million this year for Comic Relief which was a new record. We also boast free education and freedom of speech.

This British generosity shone through when a generous portion of calves livers was served to me with creamy mash and bacon. It’s not often I leave food on my plate, but the Mews’ bountiful helpings of home-made bread with butter, and pork cracklings, plus my scallops starter had nearly filled me up before my main.

Nonetheless, I squeezed in as much as I could, savouring the tender flavour of the livers. With such a huge meal, and for just £14, you can’t fault British hospitality.

What I loved most of all at the restaurant was the pottered crockery, which was also Made in Britain. You can feel and even hear the quality. The clay plates keep the food at a very cosy temperature, so if you’re like me and need a toilet stop more than you care for, then you know you can do so and count on returning to warm food. The crockery is more reliable than the British summer; how desperate is that?

I made my way back from the toilets - where I had been distracted by the wallpaper made from recipe book pages - to our gorgeous rustic table in a corner close to the bar. The dim lights, the wooden furniture, and frames of pressed flowers on the walls were quite romantic. One thing cold weather is good for is romance. Thanks to the Mews, I easily thought of a way to stay warm.

While musing on my romantic, sexy thoughts, young and older professionals created little parties together. They were taking their time with their food and drink, and enjoying the attentive service of the waiting staff, who are very proud (and ought to be) of this hidden gem.

You can find Mews of Mayfair down a little lane taken straight from the age of Ye Olde London.

During the week, lunch times transform into a herded huddle of suits out for their noonish grazing, like zebras, only Made In Britain.

With a moreish morsel of sticky toffee pudding I was feeling warm, and much like a walking pudding myself. We made our way home, and a few days later after more snow, wind and cold, I saw a strange glowing thing in the sky for a brief Made in Britain moment. I thought I’d have to report it to the authorities....read more