Take a seat at the counter in this subterranean bar
What do we need to know about The Bar Downstairs at Mayha?
The main omakase restaurant at Mayha opened just before Christmas 2022 but they've only just got around to revealing their downstairs bar. Seating just seven people it serves up a pared down omakase menu of dishes paired with cocktails.
Where is it?
You'll find it about midway down Chiltern Street, a block up from Chiltern Firehouse. The nearest tube would be Baker Street.
So how does it work?
There are two sittings - at 6pm and 8pm. Once everyone arrives the pairing begins with a series of dishes, mostly raw and sent down by the kitchen upstairs. Each dish is then paired with drinks made by Mayha's head of drinks Josef Antoun in front of you. There are five dishes - with a final dessert and mini drink to finish in addition to those. They're expecting to change both the dishes and drinks regularly to go with the seasons, so here's what we had on the night to give you an idea of what to expect.
Scallops crudo with passionfruit sorbet and red onion, paired with a Goose Spritz made with Gooseberry liqueur, Elderflower and Champagne.
Stone Bass with Nori Zaatar, paired with an O-Pilintra made with Yaguara Organic Cachaca, Yuzu, Lime, Sugar Cane Syrup and Ginger Beer.
Slow braised octopus with Yuzu Apple, paired with a Kusyaki featuring Mezcal, Smokey Pineapple Syrup, Lime Juice and Yuzu Mix
A lot of the fun here is getting a running commentary from Josef on what's going into the drinks as he knocks them up in front of you. Born in Beirut, he grew up in Germany but has most recently spent time working in some of Lebanon's top bars and restaurants. He's a great host, as happy to pour you a sip of something interesting to try in between courses as he creating his next concoction.
After some serious ice-carving action at the counter, our barman tops up the Pommeshu
Panettone wagyu sando, paired with a Pommeshu made with Calvados , Umeshu and Apples
Sun Dried Tomato Yellowtail with blood oranges - served with an Okra Martini made using Honjozo Sake, Vodka and Dry Vermouth
Dessert is billed as 'the sweet end'. For us, that meant a few squares of nutty chocolate served with a mini Pisco Sour.
And how much will that set you back?
It's £135 for the food and drink pairing.
Overall thoughts:
If the thought of a full omakase menu sounds a little too onerous, then this pared-back experience could be just the thing for you. We thought the pairing was very well done and even though they'd only just launched, the flow of the meal was perfectly pitched. It would make for an ideal date night.
More about The Bar Downstairs at Mayha
Where is it? 43 Chiltern Street, London W1U 6LS
Find out more: Visit their website or follow them on Instagram @mayhalondon
Hot Dinners dined as guests of Mayha. Prices correct at time of publication.
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