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We were invited to the newly opened Brooks Mews Wine House in London’s Mayfair (tucked just behind Claridge’s hotel) for some post-work Champagne and charcuterie.
Brooks Mews Wine House
Within London’s Mayfair area there is often an air of elitism with bars and members clubs. Whilst there is a place for them, we tend to focus on venues that are both up-market and inclusive at Vada Magazine. So when we heard about the new Brooks Mews Wine House, located on the cobbled street at the back of Claridge’s hotel, and that this venue focussed on one thing only: wine, we were keen to find out whether the venue can both meet the demands of the Mayfair clientele and remain inclusive.
Despite a stop-start open (due to lockdowns), Brooks Mews Wine House has finally opened its doors fully. The ground floor, spills out into a few seats on an outdoor terrace. Upstairs though not much bigger than below, the space has three distinct styles though we weren’t quite sure whether they are intentionally zoned as such: a psychedelic wall to the the right as you ascend marks one area; seating near the windows with botany photos neatly presented across the adjacent wall as another zone; and a third with a mirror decorated with flowers, which is where we chose as is the best of the three areas for the all important selfie.
Wine and Champagne Menu
Décor aside, on a Friday evening we were greeted by the handsome and friendly bar manager on shift, Frank. He provided us a menu and started preparing a charcuterie board. The wine and Champagne menu is extensive. No surprise really as Brooks Mews Wine House does exactly what is says on the tin, without pretence or fanfare: a lot of well-selected wines from around the globe.
We chose a non-vintage Bernard Remy Brut Rosé (£125). This retails wholesale for approximately £35, but this mark-up is in line with what we would expect from other wine bars in the area. For those just wanting less, there is a by-the-glass menu, where prices start very reasonably from £7.50, and bottles priced upwards of £31. The cheese and charcuterie selection (£23 for 2 people) comprises 3 cheese and 3 meats, and is simply presented, with a range of freshly baked carbs (bread).
Overall thoughts
As found part-way down a cobbled mews, Brooks Mews Wine House is an ideal spot to take a quieter pause from from an afternoon shopping, being located a moment from either Bond Street or Oxford Street, or having recently perused the latest exhibition at the almost-next-door JD Malat gallery. Frank the bar manager offered friendly, warming service with a smile, able to provide banter and recommendations whilst not showing any hint of fluster when dealing with multiple customers – which maintained a calm vibe in the venue.
Drinks are reasonably priced, especially given this is Mayfair, and the venue sticks to one thing and does it well. If visiting, you may well spot us in there again in the near future, sipping on another glass of bubbles.
Brooks Wine House is open from Monday to Friday 4pm to 11pm (Saturdays from 1pm) for drinking and charcuterie, and take away from their vast wine cellar.
Location: 24 Brooks Mews, London, W1K 4EA
For more information visit brooksmewswinehouse.com
