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We visit Mayfairs hidden secret restaurant for lunch.
It’s a lovely sunny day in June, and we are off to lunch at Hush, Mayfair. This will be the first time we have eaten at Hush.
We are eating in the courtyard, renamed the secret garden for the summer after announcing a collaboration with Silent Pool Distillery based in the lovely Albury in Surrey. I certainly see why this partnership works; Hush has always been known as Mayfair’s secret restaurant & Silent Pool’s Distillery is located & named after the Silent Pool, a well-known beauty spot well-hidden near Albury’s village.
Hush was opened in 1999 by Jamie Barber & Geoffrey Moore (son of Roger Moore). Rumour has it the opening party was a wild affair, with at one stage Victoria Beckham taking the role as DJ on the decks,
The restaurant has a beautiful courtyard, a large brasserie dining area, two private dining rooms & an impressive upstairs cocktail bar. I recommend a trip upstairs to look at the “Hush” wall of fame, a collection of photos of celebrities who have visited over the years. It is like a giant who’s who picture quiz.
1 Location
You can reach Hush via Grosvenor Square, end of Avery Row, & then onto Lancashire Court or Brook Street onto Lancashire Court. If you are entering via Brook Street you will probably pass number 40, which was the former home of composer Handl & many years later Jimmy Hendrix, and they could of made an interesting duo.
Sorry back to the location, the nearest tube stations are Bond Street (5 minutes Walk) & Green Park Stations (10 minutes walk).
2 Review
We entered Hush via Avery Row and the narrow alley that is Lancashire Court, it’s a short walk until the alley opens up, and you have arrived at Hush.
The Secret Garden courtyard is at the front of the restaurant, and it’s clear the secret is out. The courtyard is heaving.
To enter the Restaurant, you walk through an archway trellis covered in roses; this opens up into more of the same in the courtyard. It looks stunning, a sea of colour. The courtyard is covered and has heaters, essential for any British summer.
3 Cocktails
With menus in hand, the business of the day begins, so whilst we were choosing our food, we decided aperitif would be in order.
With the Silent Pool/Hush collaboration, you will now find six new “silent pool” based cocktails on the menu. So as it was such a lovely day, it was rude not to start with a cocktail
Leigh went for Citrus 75, which contained Citrus Silent Pool gin, prosecco, chamomile liqueur & lemon. I went for a Hedgerow sour, Silent Pool rose gin, dry vermouth, lemon & rose cordial & egg white.
Both cocktails hit the spot, and with the glorious weather, it felt more like we were in the Mediterranean than Mayfair.
Cuisine
The menu has a nod to Italy & our waiter confirmed that a new chef arrived early this year and is Italian.
The is an interesting Raw & Cured section along with starters. For the mains, a good selection of Pasta, along with Meat & fish grills, also the famous Hush Hamburger deservedly retains its place in the line-up.
For puds, the classic Italian, Tiramisu also the interestingly named Hackney Gelato.
Starters
Leigh ordered Fried Zucchine & I decided on Beef Fillet Carpaccio served with rocket, wild mushrooms, parmesan & a balsamic glaze.
For some unexplained reason, I have not had beef Carpaccio for ages, I am still trying to figure out why, as this was a sublime dish, like most classic dishes, simple with just a few ingredients done very well.
Leigh’s deep fried Zucchine was also really good, Leigh wanted a light entree & this was perfect. I’m a little particular about anything battered; it has to be light & this was perfect.
We always taste each other’s dishes; obviously, you need to when reviewing, but in truth, it’s always something we’ve done. I’m guessing we are not alone.
We ordered a bottle of the Margnat Rose 2020 from Provence, a perfect summer wine that seemed to fit well with our surroundings. Looking at the tables around us, Rose was the choice of the day.
4 Mains
After two delightful starters, it was time for the mains. Leigh chose the Seabass A L’Isolana served with confit Datterini tomatoes & capers. I decided on the Italian/Indian fusion of Venetian prawn risotto with curry sauce & crispy shallots.
Leigh’s Sea Bass was cooked to perfection & yes, the skin was crispy. Leigh also ordered a side of Garlic roasted broccoli.
.I was keen to see how the mix of risotto & curry sauce was paired. I hoped the sauce would not overpower the risotto; fusion food has to be a marriage of flavours. Fusion dishes can often be two dishes on one plate fighting for attention.
No need to worry about the curry sauce, it was mildly spiced with a turmeric hit & work well with the prawns and perfectly cooked risotto. It is a dish I will attempt to recreate at some stage.
5 Desserts
I have to confess feeling a little full after the first courses, so I asked our waiter for something light; he had no hesitation in recommending Deliza al Limone; he said this lemon-coated sponge was very light; boy was he right, and the sponge was so light it would of blown away if a random gust hit the courtyard. The lemon cream was perfect and gave a refreshing citrus hit.
Leigh decided on the Wild Berry deconstructed cheesecake; I must admit I would have put money on her choosing the cheesecake. The berry gave a lovely tarte note to balance the sweet cheesecake.
6 Conclusion
We had a very enjoyable lunchtime in the secret garden. The food was excellent & well-presented. I need to mention to the team looking after us; the service was attentive & nicely informal.
For further validation, I’m taking friends on a tour of Mayfair next month, and we are finishing our tour with a meal at Hush.
If you are in the area, I suggest finding this secret restaurant; however, I recommend putting the address in Google Maps first.
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Review date 29th June 2023
Hush
8 Lancashire Ct, London W1S 1EY.
Tel 020 7659 1500
Email info@hush.co.uk
