Market Tavern

The best pub in Mayfair

The beer called Northern Star that I had here was so darn delicious that the rest of the pub experience seemed incidental. Especially as I drank it outside, in what is a surprisingly nice part of London.

Downside? Very busy pub.

Probably one of the worst pub meals I have ever experienced. The staff are rude and lazy, the atmosphere was like a brothel never mind the food - I had a salad with Halloumi and Cous Cous - The Avocado was as hard as an apple, the halloumi was soggy.

I could advise against this any more.

DO NOT GO THERE - you will be disappointed especially at that price point!

Nice pub. Good selection of beers, and the interior and the lighting are just right to welcome you in for an evening of civilised drinking. We couldn't find any space inside as it was so busy and had to stand outside on the pavement, no problem though as that's a pretty good thing to do in this part of London.

hmmm, not quite sure how I feel on this one.
It's a basic pub if you ask me. Ales on tap DO look good, there's also a nice area to the rear left firnished in blue velvet that is like a small private booth. On the sunny day I went there, most punters were trying to squeeze themselves into any square inch of the pavement ouside. Decor for the most part is really standard.
Likes:
on the toilet doors a life-size pic of Venue de Milo for the girls and statue of David for the boys.
Food looked yummy - but I didn't eat anything.
Dislikes:
toilet is so small you get to know any queuing women intimately as you wedge past them, the hand dryer and the sink.
Can be very loud in there, especially if you're standing on the raised section as we were - yelling across the circle like half-drunk morons ( we weren't, honest!!! )

this is a regular venue for our mid week early doors sessions, always a good buzz downstairs and decadent decor in the upstairs bar. has been the starting point for many a good evening. good range of reasonably priced decent wines. can't vouch for the beer but the lads seem to down enough of it. food is pretty average, but inoffensive and staff are polite and helpful.

You won't find me peddling preppie talk with the Mayfair mafia all that much, but on this fair Wednesday evening I found myself attending a close friend's birthday bash and what a pleasant evening it was. Stencilling on the faux period wallpaper and fluffy seating replete with avant garde cushions, damn we could be in Shoreditch if the (non-existent bassline) was 'thumpier' and the riff raff at the next table were not rah-rah toffs! Not a bad shared edible platter, and a quaint area away from the tourist baggage mayhem of Piccadilly.

Just ducked into this pub for lunch with a mate, mainly because it was he first place we saw, but it served us pretty well.

First good sign: they have some decent ales on tap (I went for a pint of Doom Bar); and they had a pretty good selection of ciders and wheat beers from what I could make out.

The menu was pretty extensive too, but to be honest they had me at “fish finger sandwiches” so I didn’t pay too much attention.

The fish finger butties weren’t quite up to the standard of the amazing ones at offer at the Fox and Anchor in Smithfield (I refer the honourable gentleman to my earlier review), but they did the job well.

All in all: good pub in a nice setting. Recommended.

Had to add this review because some how found that ‘Ye Grapes’ is currently listed as the number one pub in Mayfair. It’s not even the number one pub in Shepherd Market. This is.
It used to be an O’Neills but has relatively been transformed into its current guise, an effortlessly trendy gastro bar with interesting decor and a good range of drinks. Good place to take a date or a group of friends. They have a quiz in the upstairs room on a Tuesday I think which would be worth a look. I haven’t eaten there but the menu and what food I’ve seen delivered to tables both look great.

I suppose on the downside, if I really look for one, it’s not cheap. If you’re the type of person who winces at trendy bar prices for a pint - then try the Shepherd Tavern just up the road (the second best bar in Shepherd Market)

Market Tavern is a fun place to go grab a drink. They have a good beer and cider selection and plenty more on the menu. In the evenings it’s quite crowded, with people often sitting and standing outside. Upstairs, there’s a wine bar/lounge called the Chesterfield Room, which I've only been in once for lunch.

While the pub is, well, pretty traditionally dark and pub-like, the Chesterfield Room is decorated in red, orange and burgundy, with lots of velvet, wallpaper and chandeliers.

The lunch I had there (same menu as the pub) was pretty standard--I got a hummus and grilled vegetable sandwich, though the waiter did bring me the wrong meal before swapping it out for what I'd ordered. The service is a bit spotty (I was also subjected to an excruciatingly long fight between two of the service staff), but it's generally a fun place to hang out -- more so in the evening, though. And with friends.