In our column, A Seat At The Bar we showcase the world’s best bars – from plush cocktail spots to dive bars, and everything in between. This month, we’re spotlighting Richard Caring’s highly anticipated new opening: Bacchanalia in Mayfair.
To give you some context and a hint at what you might expect, the Bacchanalia were Roman festivals hosted by Bacchus, the Greco-Roman God of wine, freedom and intoxication. Intrigued?
This new dining destination in the heart of Mayfair does not disappoint. A feast for all the senses, this spot lives up to its namesake; indulgent and eccentric. Currently a restaurant and bar, in the future the space will also become home to Apollo’s Muse, a new addition to London’s members’ club scene, inspired by the Admirable Gallery at Villa Albani.
The Lowdown
In history, the Bacchanalia were held in strict privacy, visitors bound to secrecy. Riding on this cult-like discretion, here, you enter via a subdued entrance – an intricate golden gate with vine leaves that are the only hint at what might greet you inside.
Designed by interior architect, Martin Brudnizki, this is not a place that takes itself too seriously, it’s a visual and culinary feast. Your senses are immediately awakened as you enter, by: Damian Hirst’s mind-blowing statues of unicorns, a winged lion, Medusa and Bacchus that feel like they might come to life; staff wearing togas and Roman dresses; floor-to-ceiling murals of Greek Gods and Goddesses lining the walls; and genuine, 2,000 year old, antique busts dotted around the venue to add authenticity. Be sure to also visit the (highly-instagrammable) bathroom, too – weave your way down a labyrinth-like hallway paved with mosaics and romanesque statues before entering the ladies, which depicts the story of the Garden of Hesperides complete with marble basins.
What To Order
At the bar, you can’t go wrong with a dry gin martini which feels appropriate for the theme, but don’t miss their creatively-named cocktails such as Baklava, a take on the popular dessert made with Absolut Elyx Vodka, Palo Cortado Sherry, pistachio and honey, or the Mai-Thasos, named after the North Aegean Greek island, and made up of Havana Club Rum, La Hechicera Rum, falernum and banana citrus.
The bar serves a separate menu to the restaurant, including caviar, crudo, antipasti, salads and pastas. There’s no need to book, you can pop in anytime.
If you’d like to have dinner with your drinks, the restaurant menu is just as wonderful. We ordered a little bit of everything to share. Think beef tartare, fried squid, jumbo prawns, Roman flatbreads, grilled broccoli and grilled octopus (the latter two were among our favourites). For mains, we opted for the Taglioline Truffle and Bucatini Bolognese. The Bacchus Feasting Menu was also very tempting, a mix of wood fried lamb, bone-in-ribeye, lobster paccheri pasta and crab risotto. But alas, we couldn’t manage it all in one sitting (though it does give us the perfect reason to return again soon).
Who To Bring
Someone who appreciates lavish design, and anyone you can really have fun with – just ensure that they’ll indulge in ordering half of the menu with you.
When To Visit
A Thursday or a Friday evening is ideal, as an injection of fun to look forward to throughout the week, and to round it off in style. That said, Bacchanalia is open every night of the week and there isn’t really a wrong time to visit.
The Dress Code
We decided to dress up – in a pair of silver jeans from Agolde – what else for one of the most extravagant restaurants in town? Others were more casual, so this is an open ended decision: wear whatever makes you feel your most indulgent.
Any Questions or Tips to add?