Flaunting an award-winning cocktail lounge, chic private dining rooms and a hidden courtyard in the heart of Mayfair, Hush has made quite the name for itself. On top of that, this joint also has 23 years of experience under its belt and knows a thing or two about showcasing some of the city's finest European fare in swoon-worthy settings. Did this secret spot live up to the hype? I had to find out.
After making our way down the hidden cobbled path, we were met with a gorgeous archway boasting apricot-hued foliage that led us to the alfresco courtyard. Once we were seated at a cosy table for two, we took in the pretty woodland-inspired autumnal greenery (which changes every season) and were kept warm under the heaters. And when it gets even cooler? This weatherproof venue also has a range of quilted blankets.
While exploring the droolworthy menu, we tried out some of the limited-edition Sly Dog concoctions. First up was the Wolf Pack Punch (£14), a rum-laced drink made up of a spicy mango cordial and a real kick from chilli liqueur and absinthe. This unique drink had sweet notes, alongside a moreish warming feeling from the heat (it also had a whole chilli for garnish). We also chose the Enchanted Espresso (£14), a take on the signature cocktail, with a rum twist. Think bold flavours from the cold brew liqueur and stout syrup, followed by a rich aftertaste from the tonka bitters.
As for food, we started off with beef fillet carpaccio (£22), complemented by a velvet-smooth burrata cream, hazelnut pieces and a generous amount of shaved truffle. We also opted for another helping of burrata (£16) (can you tell we love cheese?), which was served with roasted butternut squash and a maple syrup vinaigrette, which cut through the richness. To mop everything up, we also paired this with the freshly baked Mayfair bread basket (£6.50), touting semolina sourdough, black olive ciabatta and artisanal grissini.
We then opted for a couple more hand-crafted cocktails - it would be rude not to, right? This time we tried out The Mule (£14), made from Bulleit bourbon, apple juice, amaro angostura, maple syrup and a splash of ginger beer. This tasted aromatic and arrived in a pretty rose-gold rounded tankard. In the mood for something botanical, we also quaffed a refreshing Garden Spritz (£14) with gin, eucalyptus, cucumber and plenty of prosecco. These both really hit the spot.
For mains, my partner chose the beef fillet (£38), which was drizzled in a fragrant wild mushroom sauce and triple-cooked chips for dipping. This was so tender and cooked to perfection - absolutely faultless. I had my eyes set on the tagliolini lobster datterini (£38), a delicate dish with sweet, yet succulent meat, alongside thin pasta noodles coated in a fresh tomato and chervil sauce. As for the sides? We shared lightly-seasoned roast mushrooms (£7) and fresh tenderstem broccoli (£7). Not only were all of these plates oozing with rich and balanced flavours, but they also were beautifully presented.
To finish up, we sunk our teeth into the gooey chocolate fondant molten Lotus heart (£12), which was filled with the best-loved caramel sauce and served alongside a smooth vanilla ice cream. We then had a salty 'n' sweet Valrhona chocolate slice peanut brittle (£10), accompanied by a decadent salted caramel ice cream.
The DesignMyNight Digest
It's no wonder why Hush has been going strong for over 20 years, as it really had such a luxury feel, even from walking down the cobbled path. This gorgeous venue really oozed finesse in all departments, from the autumnal courtyard to the swanky bar space and the modern European food, it just felt special. I would really recommend it if you're after a romantic meal or just fancy treating yourself.
💰 The damage: £244, including service charge. 📍 The location: 8 Lancashire Court, W1S 1EY. 👌 Perfect for: Date night or celebratory meals. ⭐ Need to know: The courtyard is also dog-friendly, so bring along your furry friend. |