The Running Horse (Bar, Restaurant)

50 Davies Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 5JE
Cuisine: Gastro
Tel: 020 7493 1275
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| Transport: Bond Street
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The Running Horse Review
Ah Oxford Street; lovely foe to my wallet, Oxford Street. The relationship I have with that densely packed 2.4km stretch of road is similar to the relationship I have with my mother: I love it to bits, I get excited on anticipation of a visit, but after about an hour I’m ready to imitate the homeless, wrap myself in newspaper and torch the self made armour of kindling. (Sorry ma.)
Luckily, I’ve discovered a haven away from the pushing and the shoving and the general Lord of the Flies savagery of the street. The Running Horse is a nearby source of mayhem prevention. It is also brilliantly English and as said book’s Nobel-winning author, William Golding, once said, “we’re not savages, we’re English, and the English are best at everything.”
You’re right to be wary. Most places that are a hop, skip and a jump from the famous street offer food that pales in comparison to even sloppy school dinners. And they charge extortionate prices for it. Trust me, though; whether you trot, run or even canter your way to The Running Horse, you’ll neigh (sorry) regret it.
Firstly, the pub is the oldest in Mayfair, dating back to 1738 when the original building was transformed into a tavern. Back then, when it was just a spritely foal, it went by the name ‘Galloping Horse of Hanover’. Being 272 years older now, the old nag’s slowed down to a run, but the fact that it has managed to survive for so long puts it on the list of must-visits, even disregarding all its other charms.
Indeed, The Running Horse has more than just the one charm, as it’s not just about interesting history and convenient geography; it’s about well thought out and excellently executed food. A harmonious combination of old English favourites - like fish and chips with tartare sauce and a pea puree - and modern infusions - such as lamb tagine with apricot and coriander couscous - are displayed on the simplistic but effective one-sided A4 menu. I wanted to devour all of it but unfortunately my belly was only generous enough to allow three courses and a few glasses of wine. Those with small appetites - or gastric bands - take note; The Running Horse may be a torturous affair.
Perhaps it was only I that was harbouring this agony as the other patrons in the first floor restaurant - couples, friends, birthday celebrators – showed no sign of any internal feuding, their calm exteriors exuding only smiles and laugher from across the wooden tables lit with delicate teas lights. Above their heads were framed and strategically lit pictures of – you’ll never guess – horses, and a few oval mirrors accompanied our four legged friends on the wall. Meanwhile, white lillies avoided having to vie for space, spreading out on the various shelves.
It was sadistic to continue torturing myself any longer so I sluggishly made my way downstairs, popping my head into the ground floor bar where yet more drinkers seemed to be oblivious to any self-persecution, happily joking and buzzing in the pleasant surroundings, before heading home by tube, sadly not by horseback.
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Customer Reviews for The Running Horse
Average (based on 2 votes): 2
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The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of The Running Horse.
“We had our Christmas dinner 19th December @ the Running Horse (Harvester) Maidstone.
I was supporting adults with a learning disabilities and it felt as though we wasn't there having our Christmas dinner.
I was so embarrassed because I had arranged this Christmas event.
1. The waitress didn't ask if we waited any drinks
2. Very little if any interaction with people in the party.
3. Couldn't hear the music.I ask for some Christmas music but the sound was to low we couldn't hear it.
4. No Christmas crackers on tables. I asked about some but was told "we haven't ordered any this year due to cut backs".”
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deborah, maidstone (4 years 1 months 27 days ago)
“I met friends at The Running Horse after work and was more than pleasantly surprised.
I had been expecting the same not-bothered attitude as staff in other pubs in the same area and so when our waitress greeted us with a smile and told us to sit and relax, she’d get us some drinks and some bread and olives to nibble on, I was so shocked I had to remind myself to acknowledge her suggestion.
The whole evening was lovely; the place wasn’t too crowded or loud so we could keep up a conversation without inflicting sore throats on ourselves, but there were enough people about to ensure a good atmosphere. The food was superb as well, I had the pork belly and I would highly recommend it!
I’ll definitely be going back to The Running Horse, and they should be seeing a few other faces from my office after my 3 day marathon of nonstop raving!”
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Ellie Alice Dunne, Bethnal Green, London (8 years 10 months 12 days ago)
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The Running Horse Opening Hours
Monday: | 11:00am - 11:00pm | Friday: | 11:00am - 11:00pm |
Tuesday: | 11:00am - 11:00pm | Saturday: | 11:00am - 11:00pm |
Wednesday: | 11:00am - 11:00pm | Sunday: | Closed |
Thursday: | 11:00am - 11:00pm |
Additional Information
- Cuisine Type: Gastro
- Dress Code: Not Specified
- Website: Visit the The Running Horse website
- Group: First Restaurant Group
Nearby Venues
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Mayfair Exchange
(0.09 km)
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- Ikeda (0.13 km)
- Neo Bistro (0.14 km)
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La Petite Maison
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Nearby Restaurants
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Mayfair Exchange
(0.09 km)
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Casa di Fiori
(0.10 km)
- Comptoir Cafe & Wine (0.11 km)
- The Reading Room (0.12 km)
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Ed's Easy Diner
(0.12 km)
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