Balls Brothers' Mayfair Exchange

Mayfair Exchange - suits suits and more suits...but don't be put off or intimated!

The nearest tube is Bond Street, and the bar-restaurant is located on the corner of South Molton Street and Brook Street.

Mayfair Exchange is a great place for an after work drink. Happy Hour runs from 5-7pm every week day and all cocktails are half price (£8-11 original prices). After my first visit  I couldn't wait to return and continue to sample the cocktail menu.

 

Porn Star Martini - one of my favourite cocktails and the bar staff definitely delivered. Passion fruit based cocktail served with a shot of champers on the side.

 

Some Like It Hot - this cocktail was more of an experiment for our taste buds.

 

Cosmopolitan - a classic.

Berry Blush - highly recommended if you make a visit. A tall cocktail full of strong fruity crisp flavour with crushed ice, served with fresh fruit.

We previously booked a table for a £20 deal on Lobster, Steak and Chips. Delicious!

Despite the male dominated image this bar portrays, it should not be avoided solely for this reason. The staff were friendly, the atmosphere buzzing and the live piano music added that little something extra. I will definitely recommend this bar to my friends and others.

The Wolseley: afternoon tea with the family

After a brilliant day out with my Mum and Sister at Buckingham Palace, visiting the State Rooms, we looked forward to a spot of afternoon tea. Having read some brilliant reviews we decided to book a table at The Wolseley, in Mayfair. We arrived a little early for our booking, so treated ourselves to a Champagne Bellini in the cosy bar area.

The Wolseley is a café-restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Booking is recommended - we booked a few weeks in advance - but some tables are available for walk-in customers.

Once seated, we had a moment to take in the impressive Grade II Listed Building. The café-restaurant is open plan creating a noisy yet brilliant atmosphere. There is also a private dining area upstairs which looked to seat around 15 people.

Having enjoyed our champagne bellinin’s, alot, we decided to continue in style. We ordered the Champagne Afternoon Tea (£32.00 per person). The traditional finger sandwiches, scones and a delicious selection of pastries sounded too good to miss out on.

Our Champagne Tea included:

• one glass of Pommery Brut Royal NV champagne
• a selection of teas
• an assortment of finger sandwiches
• two fruit scones with home made strawberry jam and clotted cream

For me, the sandwiches were a highlight. Along with the traditional cucumber, egg and cress, and salmon and cream cheese fillings, we were also served chicken and pesto, and a celery, cheese and chive filling on tomato bread. The sandwiches were so scrummy, we couldn't resist asking for more.

After our second plate of sandwiches we moved onto the warm fruit scones. You can never go wrong with scones, jam and cream.

Our selection of pastries and cakes were also delicious, but by this point we were struggling to fit anymore in! The selection included mini battenberg, coffee eclairs, cheesecake, chocolate and coffee torte with gold leaf, mini victoria sponge and a raspberry and custard tart.

Overall, The Wolseley is a great place for afternoon tea and I hope to return soon to sample their breakfast, lunch or dinner menu.

SUSHISAMBA

SUSHISAMBA first opened in New York City in 1999. This fantastic bar and restaurant has successfully expanded across the United States, continuing to offer a unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, music and design. This summer SUSHISAMBA landed in London. In the heart of the city, the bar and restaurant can be found on the 39th floor of the Heron Tower (nearest tube is Liverpool Street, entrance on Bishopsgate).

Ideal for an after work bevy, take the glass lift on the outside of the building and get ready for a view of London I guarantee you have never seen before....

On arriving at the 39th floor, (beware of vertigo!) head straight to the bar and take a look at the drinks menu. It's not the most extensive menu but there are some delicious cocktails to choose from (£9.50-£12.00).

Once you have your drink in hand, embrace the views and take in the bustling atmosphere around you. There is also a couple of viewing platforms outside but beware these will be closed due to certain weather conditions and will get very busy on sunny days.

This bar and restaurant has only been open for a month, so expect a crowd. Prepare to do some elbow work to get a good photo opportunity at one of the windows!

Despite some disappointing reviews - not enough bar staff, poor cocktail selection, too busy - this bar is definitely worth the visit!!