Since becoming a mum, I’m always on the lookout for things to do with my baby. From immersive art experiences and soft play cafes to accessible restaurants, I’ve swapped weekly nights out for all things child-friendly. So, when I saw that The Guinea – a historic London pub – was available for bookings, I thought this would be a great place to bring the little one, right? Wrong.

This isn’t the usual Sunday roast boozer where you can prop the pram up by your table. Instead, The Guinea pairs white linen tablecloths and bottles of Champagne with some of the best steaks in the country. Time to cash in grandma’s babysitting offer and leave the kid at home because this is one for date night. 

This is not your typical London pub.

DesignMyNight Reviews The Guinea Grill

Located on Bruton Place – real foodies will know this quiet street full of high-end restaurants and cafes - The Guinea pub is right in the heart of Mayfair. Arriving on a Saturday evening, my husband and I were greeted with a crowd spilling onto the street, pints in hand and suits all around.

You see, the venue features a classic pub out front – think pints and Guinness galore. After you get past the aforementioned bar (and the bustling crowd that surrounds it), you’re greeted by Cristiano – the knowledgeable general manager - who will lead the way to your table in one of many dining areas, furnished with old fashioned lighting, wooden beams and huge bottles of wine dotted around. He wasted no time in ordering some Champagne (£15.75 each) while we perused the menu and endorsed many of the dishes we’d already been eyeing up.

We loved the spicy sweetbreads and oysters on The Guinea Mayfair menu.

Half a dozen rocket oysters (£26) were a no-brainer; setting the tone for a fiery plate of sweetbreads on toast (£15.50). Chunky, moreish, and with a smack of spice, they were a picante hit with the other half who usually steers clear of anything offal.

A London institution since 1423, and once headed up by lauded pub landlord Oisin Rogers until 2022 (he’s since moved onto The Devonshire in Soho), The Guinea has become something of a foodie favourite. Specialising in dry-aged, grass-fed British beef and meat cooked on an open grill, head chef Thiago is keeping the pub’s reputation for steak going strong.

Naturally, we had to put this to the test and opted for a classic beef Wellington (£45) and sirloin on the bone (£45). Cristiano assisted with our trio of sides; cheesy garlic sweetcorn (£6.50), pancetta confit potatoes (£7.50) and broccoli with chilli and anchovy (£6.50) which were the ideal trio to accompany. The sweetcorn was a decadent choice; served straight onto our plates, while the veg provided a balanced mouthful to the tender, juicy meat.

You wouldn't know it from the exterior, but this London pub has one of the best dining rooms around.

Alongside a serving of bearnaise (£5), we had a choice of mustards – also dolloped right onto our plates. No detail is too small here. Matched with a bottle of red in the form of Château Cissac (£80.50) – another direction from Cristiano, what a guy – we were in a calorific bliss.

As someone who always saves room for dessert, this was a tough choice. Banana sticky toffee pudding and the Baileys cheesecake were calling my name, but we took Cristiano’s steer towards a bread and butter pudding (£9) which was a lighter, and smarter, way to end a perfect evening.

The Guinea London Review: Overall

Now that my days get so busy and evenings out are limited, I’m even more selective in how I spend my time. But when that time is enhanced by glorious dishes, a buzzing atmosphere and faultless service, it’s an easy win. Whether you came for the meat, the drinks, or just a good night out, you can be sure that The Guinea ticks all the boxes.

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