Henry's Cafe Bar, Mayfair, London

Enjoyed a very leisurely long lunch here on Friday afternoon. It was surprisingly busy during the whole afternoon, all the nearby offices were obviously in the Christmas mood. Despite this the noise and music never got in the way of our conversation. The menu is extensive with something to satisfy most tastes, but we kept it simple with a sandwich and salad. The portions were generous, and the food well prepared. Nothing gourmet, but pretty much exactly what you’d expect from a good brasserie-style place. The service was very good, friendly, efficient and attentive.

Whilst I normally like the Henry’s chain, this branch actually feels a little soul-less. I’m not sure whether this is because it’s right on Piccadilly so you get the world and their mother coming in, and a lot of baying finance boys after work, or whether it’s because it’s laid out in a very odd way, which means you don’t get to appreciate the atmosphere, or to people watch (which I love doing!). Really enjoyed their cocktails though, and the food was tasty too. Although, for a proper night out, would probably go to their branch in Covent Garden instead.

I really enjoy Henry’s for their atmosphere, location and physical interior. I’ve been twice now, the first time was for Qype’s Cocktail and Cake party, and the second was for dinner last night.

You can sign up for a Henry’s priviledge card and get 15% off your food or choose a £9.95 two course dinner. I found the special menu for the two courses limited after seeing the normal menu - if I was on a budget I would have gone for it, but I was showing one of my friends from Australia a good night, so we skipped the budget menu.

The food didn’t take that long to come out and it was really delish! We had a platter to share and then main courses of lamb, fish and chips and beef pudding which were such huge portions we couldn’t finish it all! But it was really good. I also enjoy the drinks here. I had a fruit cocktail this time, and a cosmopolitan last time.

I do have a slight niggle with this place though. The staff are really nice, but the service is pretty slack. Both times I just didn’t feel as if we were looked after. It was ages between being served for drinks, getting menus, ordering, and getting the bill afterwards. We were relaxing so we weren’t in a rush, but it was a bit frustrating at times.

Nice cafe.
Cheap, unlike other cafe’s such as Costa and Starbucks.
Nice location.
A standard coffee costs as little as 1.50

I beg to differ with the above claims of it being cheap. It is anything but. but if however my fellow Qyper was talking about value for money then he is indeed on the right track, as you definately get more than your moneys worth since their quality is tip top.