Seymour’s Parlour at the Zetter Townhouse Marylebone is the Zetter Group’s second opening, and sister bar to their iconic cocktail outpost in Clerkenwell. On hearing about the impending launch of a new menu, I paid the bar a visit to find this acclaimed hideaway in typically-unique fettle.
The Venue and Atmosphere
Though it’s close to the hustle of Central London, Zetter Townhouse’s Marylebone branch enjoys a relatively relaxed location, perched in the middle of an archetypal London townhouse terrace row. Named after a fictional ‘Wicked Uncle Seymour’, on entering the bar you’ll get an immediate taste of the style they’re going for; think deep reds and mahogany wood-panelling, full to the brim with eccentricities. Look out for plate collections, portraits, animal ornaments, lampshades and all the callings of a peculiar private residence of times gone by - gently illuminated by candlelight.
It’s not a huge space, but there are plenty of nooks and crannies for small groups to enjoy, and the odd larger table for bigger parties. I visited on a relatively busy Tuesday evening, and the ambience was buzzy; you get the feeling it’s not the sort of place for a wild party, but it’s certainly not a place of quiet reflection either.
Decadent, unique and deliciously-odd interiors at Seymour's Parlour.
The Drinks and Food
I’d heard a lot of hype around Zetter’s cocktail offering – they’re a group that are renowned not just in the industry, but with customers too - so there was certainly a level of expectation before visiting. Devised by mixologist supremo Tony Conigliaro, the menu didn’t disappoint. The drinks are well-priced (top end £11.50), punchy, and moreover, they’re interesting. Don’t expect a mass amount of theatre with the glasses or adornments, but do expect thought-out flavours and bold, innovative concoctions. If you’re looking for a recommendation, The Duchess’ Ruby (Beefeater gin, claret wine, red grape shrub and soda) and the Le Sphinx (orange neroli honey, ambrette bitter and champagne) were both delicious, and had a real kick too. The menu here changes every six months, with each new offering being tried, tested and creatively-concocted to ensure maximum sipping pleasure. And it certainly pays off.
If you’re hungry, the bar also serves up a selection of light-bites which are worth a nibble; there’s a mix of small plates and sharing boards, starting at around £3 up to the £15 region.
Love a scotch egg? You're in luck at Seymour's Parlour.
Summary
Seymour’s Parlour at Zetter Townhouse Marylebone is a loveable and unique den of oddities, without being over-the-top. Instead of novelties on the menu, they’re on the wall, and there’s a real focus on the drinks, service and ambience. All that combined makes this one of London’s hidden gems, well worth uncovering yourself.
