By David de Winter – Sports Editor @LondonEconomic @davidjdewinter
Usually I only go to Mayfair by mistake, either when I’m lost or stumbling to Park Lane to get a Nightbus at 4am. However, this week, as a treat, TLE sent me to the Mayfair Pizza Co. for dinner. ‘Mayfair?’, I thought. ‘I’d better look my best.’ So I dusted down my favourite jeans, popped on my least offensive t-shirt and strolled into the night, determined for once to not embarrass myself in exalted company.
I needn’t have been worried. Tucked away down a side-street just off Brook Street and New Bond Street is the lovely Lancashire Courtyard, home to a buzzing little community of bars and restaurants. One such eatery is the two year-old Mayfair Pizza Co.
Whilst a cocktail bar downstairs, the first-floor dining room was a large and airy space with wonderfully high ceilings. I looked around anxiously to see if any of the clientele were the type of Mayfairites who speak as if they have a bunch of grapes in their mouths. But No! I was pleasantly surprised to see a family table, a couple enjoying a romantic dinner, a table of friends and a post-work party.
So what of the food? I was struggling to decide what to order so it asked the friendly waitress. To start, we were brought Bruschetta and Meatballs. I wasn’t expecting great things from the Bruschetta but was made to eat (not literally) my words as the slightly sour bread combined beautifully with the tomato, red onion and basil topping. My guest was making equally appreciative noises munching away at his meatballs – rich with enough of a spicy kick to keep one interested.
On to the mains. I had a Truffle and Porcini Mushroom Pizza (when in Mayfair and all that) whilst my dining companion was served up a Pulled Pork with BBQ Sauce Pizza. Not used to fancy ingredients, I found the Truffle and Porcini Mushrooms delicious but quite rich. The Pulled Pork Pizza was going down an absolute treat. I managed to steal a slice and can confirm that it was as tasty as it sounds. All this was washed down with a mighty fine bottle of Montepulciano, the perfect accompaniment to the meal.
Despite my stomach’s protestations to the contrary, we were convinced to have dessert, and what a great decision that turned out to be. I went for a classic Tiramisu, which in my humble opinion is possibly the best Tiramisu I have tasted in London. My guest was equally enamoured with his Salted Caramel Chocolate Pot with Popping Candy.
Mayfair Pizza Co. is a great find. It is slightly off the beaten track so it doesn’t tend to serve those ghastly people who go shopping on Regents Street and then pile into the nearest Garfunkels or Pizza Express, and at between £8 and £16 a pizza and with house wine priced at a very reasonable £16 per bottle it won’t break the bank. As I waddled away into the Mayfair night, I reflected that I would definitely return to Mayfair Pizza Co., not only because it is one of the few Mayfair establishments where I have not been blacklisted, but also because it does a damn good feed. Just make sure you save room for dessert.
www.mayfairpizzaco.com