CELEBRATE SUMMER IN HANOVER SQUARE | REVIEW: THE MAINE MAYFAIR
July 2022
As many of you are asking me for alfresco dining recommendations, it is definitely time to share my thoughts on The MAINE Mayfair. Joey Ghazal’s latest and greatest hospitality hot spot on Hanover Square boasts a brand new terrace tucked away in peaceful Medici Court. My mum and I recently visited for lunch on the new terrace with my 6 month old daughter.
Built in 1720, 20 Hanover Square is the only surviving Georgian ‘Grade II’ listed building on the newly renovated square, much of which was dug up for air raid shelters during World War II. The property was once home to James Graham, Duke of Montrose. Fast forward to today and we have The MAINE Mayfair, a brasserie shaped homage to Ghazal’s childhood summers in Maine; aptly described as a blend of “period fidelity and contemporary gloss.”
It’s a sunny day in Mayfair and we’re on the terrace, sitting dangerously close to the bar. As I cast my eye around the flower-filled terrace, I am pleased to see an eclectic mix of diners - colleagues chatter excitedly over working lunches; Champagne corks pop for intimate family celebrations; and a couple flirt playfully over wine and seafood. I spy several well behaved dogs relaxing in the sun, and heaters for the chillier days ahead.
I duck inside to check out the restaurant in all its glory (prompted by my sighting of a private PR event for a popular skincare brand) and i’m happy to report that the restaurant interior is suitably refined and beautiful. Most importantly, it is entirely accessible. A lift will take you down to the lower ground floors (wheelchair and pram friendly) and you’ll find baby changing facilities in the disabled toilet. A huge plus point.
Friendly staff are working seamlessly to ensure diners are satisfied at all times, and they’re smiling throughout. Tables are adapted to allow for unexpected arrivals, glasses are promptly refilled, and a steady stream of beautifully plated dishes travels towards delighted diners. Outside, there’s a distinct holiday-esque buzz on the terrace, but without the traffic noises - a rare treat in Mayfair.
To start, we share Heritage Beets - a vibrant red and yellow affair with ragstone goats cheese, candied walnuts and truffle honey. Just add Champagne for the most divine starter. Next, I narrowly avoid ordering yet another Burrata and instead opt for Octopus a La Plancha with red onions, black olives and fingerling potatoes - the epitome of summer and an absolute taste sensation. Once in a while, it’s really nice to feel sad that a starter is over.
For the main, it’s Halibut Fillet with burnt lemon and olive oil, Fresh Hand Dived Scallops and a side of Tenderstem Broccoli. Dishes are light, fresh and flavoursome; and portions are pleasingly generous. A Key Lime Pie with Chantilly Cream graces us with its presence, and it’s the best dessert I have ever had in Mayfair, which is saying something. For the first time in my life and in spite of recent politics, i’m tempted to visit Maine, New England.
Whether you’re celebrating 20 years as an entrepreneur or toasting the tropical temperatures, The MAINE Mayfair is an absolute must. Visit early for the Signature Scramble or Billionaire French Toast; at lunch for a Poseidon Tower; or late for Lobster. The menu is varied and exciting enough to keep us returning again and again.
6 Medici Court London, 20 Hanover Square, W1S 1JY
Reservations: +44 20 3432 2192, reserve@themainemayfair.com
