This Hot New Opening Is Now Taking Bookings
CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HARRY'S BAR
The concept…
Following the success of Harry’s Dolce Vita, which opened across the road from Harrod’s at the end of 2017, Harry’s Bar has launched at buzzy St Christopher’s Place. Inspired by its namesake – the Mayfair private members’ club that opened on South Audley Street in the 1970s – the 150-seat restaurant mixes 1950s glamour with all-day dining to create a stylish spot for breakfasts, post-work drinks and dinner.
The setting…
As we’ve come to expect from the group, the décor and furnishings throughout the venue create an atmospheric spot for dinner and drinks. Within, colourful Murano glass, vintage brass fixtures and rich tanned-leather banquettes give the room a refined look, while a plethora of paintings and portraits of the likes of Sophia Loren add vibrancy. Throughout, expect dark-wood panelling, mirrored ceilings and low-lit antique lighting, which combine to create a sophisticated spot to linger over a plate of linguini and a glass of Franciacorta.
The food…
As per Harry’s Dolce Vita, the menu has been devised by Diego Cardoso, formerly of Angela Hartnett’s Café Murano. When we sat down for breakfast, we were treated to a chocolate cantucci (chocolate biscuits with hazelnuts, salted caramel and whipped cream), numerous americanos and chopped avocado with basil, chilli, ricotta cheese and two poached hen’s eggs on durum wheat toast.
Elsewhere, the all-day menu is an expansive affair, spanning everything from moreish truffle arancini and nduja flatbread through to numerous pizzas and ‘secondi’ such as indulgent truffled chicken (half a roast chicken served with mascarpone truffle sauce, sautéed mushrooms, parsley and garlic). Pasta and risotto come served in copper pans, adding a casual touch to the sophisticated surroundings – we’d opt for the lobster risotto, served with slow-cooked leeks, fennel salad, Amalfi lemon and lobster dressing.
Make sure to leave room for desserts, which comprise homemade gelato, sharing sundaes (think milk and bitter chocolate gelato, Piedmontese hazelnut brownie, chocolate mousse and salted-caramel sauce) and Italian specialities such as panna cotta, profiteroles and tiramisu. We like to end the meal with homemade limoncello, served over shaved ice.
Brand new is the team’s Bacari menu. Inspired by the backstreet bars of Venice (frequented mostly by locals, these small establishments serve wines by the glass and cocktails alongside cicchetti), this selection of tasty treats and drinks are served between 4-7pm each day. Negronis, Aperol Spritz and prosecco can be paired up with the likes of salted ricotta, pine nuts, zucchini and mint salad on bruschetta; raw tuna, truffle citrus dressing, tomatoes and basil on a crispy pizzetta; and nero pizza with black squid ink dough, smoked salmon, sliced avocado, dill sour cream, red onion and rocket. Perfect for a post-work (or post-shopping) pick-me-up.
The drinks…
G&T fans will be pleased to hear that the bar specialises in botanical gin and tonics – there are no less than eight on offer. Elsewhere, Italian-inspired cocktails include the likes of the ‘Rhubarb & Amaro Cooler’ (Wyborowa vodka, Averna Amaro, rhubarb syrup, lemon juice and Fever-Tree Mediterranean tonic), ‘Frangilico Sour’ (Frangelico hazelnut liqueur shaken with chocolate bitters) and an ‘Amalfi Royale’ (Staibano lemon cream, Beefeater gin, lemon juice, cardamom bitters and fresh basil topped with prosecco, thyme and lavender). A solid Italian wine list works well with the meat and fish section of the menu, while an extensive grappa list makes for a memorable end to the meal.
The verdict…
Summer might be over, but Harry’s Bar delivers a real slice of Italy right here in London. Come next summer, we can see the restaurant’s 45-seat terrace, which spills out onto the pavement, being a real hotspot. For now though, it’s heated – bring on the white hot chocolates.
32-34 James Street, Marylebone, W1U 1ER; Harry’s Bar opens on 9th October. Tables are available to book now.
Visit Harry's Bar or call 020 3971 9444 to make a reservation
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