Overlooking the Square, with its doors always open, Babble Bar Mayfair is eager to please. The barmaids were sweet and slightly underdressed, plus they had an entire page of their extensive cocktail menu dedicated to Mojitos of any fruity flavour you can imagine, which alone is worth the stroll from Regent Street.
The Venue
Amongst the private banks and covert members clubs of Berkeley Square, Babble Mayfair stuck out like its Kiwi Mojitos. With diamantés in the windows, a gorgeous hostess and a studded black leather bar it brings the City glam of its Aldgate sister into an otherwise quite conservative area. The bar was quiet when I arrived at 8pm on a Saturday; but from passing the buzzing doorway on my way home from work, I knew that this place is lively on Friday nights, with the surrounding Green Park work-force winding down from the week for a Sipsmith Smash or a classic 007 Martini.
With a great ambiance and plenty of seating, get set for a great London DJ bar.
The Atmosphere and Clientele
Babble Mayfair is geared up well for private events and the hostess told me that it is extremely popular for hen nights, stag nights and corporate parties. The private club downstairs would be perfectly suited to this as it is quite roomy and the staff are very attentive. But the fun cocktails like Berry Blush, Grapefruit Cosmo and Japanese Slipper makes Babble somewhere I would start for drinks on a girls night out.
Babble Bar Mayfair looks suave, chic and is a great Mayfair bar.
The Food and Drinks
Babble Bar have really hit the spot with the new craze sweeping the West End putting a spin on the classic Mojito. Babble’s creations include Strawberry, Blueberry and my personal favourite, which I had twice – the heavenly Babble Champagne Mojito. At £8.50 each, I thought this was good value for such a hot postcode; almost as generous as their very-happy Happy Hour lasting from 5-8pm! Consulting Justerini & Brooks Wine Merchants has also produced their tailor made wine menu featuring expertly chosen affordable and classic Chilean house wines and other great Latin choices.
Bridget Jones once said “One of Mother’s culinary triumphs was everything in miniature” but seriously why does everything seem to taste so good when it is mini? Or is it simply less guilt? Either way, the platter of Babble’s make-your-own duck spring rolls, herby mini chicken burgers and fries were naughty, small, delicious and a great, pretty bar snack to go down with the equally tasty cocktails.
With a swish bar serving top drinks, it is one of London's finest cocktail bars.
Summary
If you’ve sampled all of Soho and you’re looking for a new area to enjoy, consider the leafy surroundings of Berkeley Square and the tasty cocktail menu of Babble Mayfair for your next after-work drinks. It’s got a classy wine menu, superb Mojitos from a master Mixologist and lovely service, plus the open doors gives Babble that ‘drop in and try us’ feeling. They even have a club room if you choose to stay the night so watch out for that!
