Mayfair is home to some of the most shiny and glamourised names in hospitality. You know the star-studded spots I’m talking about. Sexy Fish, Annabel’s, Amazonico… They’re forever splashed over the papers thanks to celebrity sightings including Joe Jonas, Harry Styles and Kate Moss, but this W1 elite recently welcomed a new neighbour.
Lilibet’s opened in September last year, and it’s turned heads for plenty of reasons. Firstly, it’s an independent and never seen before seafood restaurant that's brand new to the area. Secondly - the address of the building is in fact where the late Queen Elizabeth was born. Hence the use of her private nickname, Lilibet. The restaurant whimsically dreams up an alternative world, one where the late Queen would have have lived life as a care-free Princess (like her sister Margaret), and not the head of the monarchy.
DesignMyNight’s Review Of Lilibet's In Mayfair
The level of detail in Lilibet's interiors is astounding, making it one of London's most unique restaurants.
Need To Know:
- Address: 17 Bruton Street, W1J 6QB
- Area: Mayfair
- Cuisine: Seafood, with Mediterranean influences
Ambience & We Think Perfect For
- Atmosphere: The reception of Lilibet’s is
‘very Mayfair’. Its calling card is velvet curtains, strong incense
and immaculately dressed staff who request to check your coat with
the warmth of an old friend. Layers off, we were shown to the other
side of the room. Walking past the powder pink art deco bar, and a
sea of tables lit by waxy candles, we were struck by the level of
detail (and tassels). The brief was to imagine what life might have
been like for Elizabeth before she became Queen and Russel Sage
(the designer) completely nailed it. Dining here is like entering
the gateway to how the other half live, without it costing you the
soul of your first born. Highlights include the open fireplace, the
oyster bar where they shuck shells in front of your eyes and the
Wes-Anderson-esque toilets.
Perfect For: date night with a difference, affordable lunch and dinner with the family.
Service & Price
- Service (Out Of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value For Money (Out Of 5): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Cost: around £240 for two with drinks.
The powder pink art deco bar (pictured left) and Carlingford oysters (pictured right).
Menu Highlights
Lilibet’s menu is vast, varied and just as wondrous as its interiors. We dined from the a la carte, which has so many options that we had decision paralysis. However, there is a tasting menu priced between £90 and £125 plus a lunchtime set menu where you can get three courses for just £34 - all great options if you want the decision slightly taken from your hands.
Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Carlingford oysters (£26 for six) - from the three choices available, we landed on Carlingford in the Republic of Ireland, which is known for sweet and nutty flavours. I’ve had oysters at many restaurants across London, and the ones shucked at Lilibet’s are at the top of the table. Served with red wine shallots and house hot sauce, I’d come back here for the shells alone.
- Crab tart (£4.70) - the mini crab tarts come in sets of two with fresh needles of white meat under a thin, crisp shell. Like all appetisers, they won't fill a hole but they're a strong choice if you're sitting at the bar with an ice-cold martini in hand.
- Fish triptych (£ determined by weight and fish of the day) - I had my eye on a seafood platter but was otherwise convinced that the trifecta of courses would be worth the swap. The first course - crudo fillet with dog sauce - was a giant bowl of fresh ceviche, spinning zesty and zappy flavours in every mouthful. The second - grilled fillet with mojo verde - was served deboned, crispy skin-up. The accompanied lobster mash was seductively smooth with some regal attitude. The final course - the bones 'a la minute soup' - was my favourite plate of the entire meal. Made from the bones of the fish and served tableside from a large ornate bowl, every mouthful was medicinal and hearty.
- Lilibet's crêpe (£14) - how we managed to squeeze in dessert is a testament to the food at Lilibet's. A high ABV Grand Mariner sauce is lit and swirled in front of your table, before being poured over a burrito-sized crêpe filled with fresh cream.
Drink: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Silk Route (£15) - we started our meal with one of Lilibet's signature cocktails - a concoction of Askashi whiskey, Cocchi Rosa, Creme de Cacao Blanc and cherry bitters. It was silky, very drinkable and it had echoes of a classic Manhattan, making it light-bodied.
- Espresso Martini (£14) - convincing ourselves it was a good idea, we boldly ordered a round of espresso martinis to finish the meal. Shaken well, the lid was foamy but the mix of Ketel 1, coffee, Tia Maria and demerara sugar needed a tad more balance and refining.
Espresso martinis (pictured left) and the decadent toilets (pictured right).
Our Overall Experience At Lilibet's
DesignMyNight Review Out Of 5: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lilibet's is an instant classic, promising excellent service and quality seafood in a boldly and beautifully decorated setting. From the offset, we felt part of something special - like we were stepping into the realms of high society minus the awkwardness and pretentiousness. For anyone living in London, or visiting from further afield, it's a must - even if you could take or leave the royal history. It was so good, my fiancé and I bought his parents a voucher to visit. They know their way around a good restaurant or two, so if it's good enough for my parents in law, rest assured it's good enough for you too.
