If you’re planning a Galentine’s dinner in London and want somewhere that feels equal parts cosy, sexy and indulgent, Mistress of Mayfair delivers exactly that energy.
The space is what really sets the tone. Deep red velvet wraps the room, with generous, plush booths that make you want to sink in and stay put. It feels intimate without being claustrophobic candlelit, low-lit, and softly dramatic. I went with four girlfriends, and from the moment we sat down it felt like the kind of setting designed for long catch ups, laughter, and a few extra cocktails.
The crowd only amplified the mood. The room was filled with beautiful, glamorous women, dressed up and clearly making an evening of it. It felt like the kind of place where everyone looks good, but no one is trying too hard.
Cocktails were a real highlight. We started with the Naked & Famous a vibrant mix of Ojo de Dios mezcal, Aperol, Aperitivo, Yellow Chartreuse and fresh lime. Bright, citrus-led and impeccably balanced, it set the tone beautifully. As the night unfolded, Between the Sheets followed Bacardi Carta Blanca, Hennessy VS, Cointreau, simple syrup and fresh lemon juice – smooth, elegant and deceptively easy to drink.
Later came Cherrywood, and it felt like the cocktail equivalent of the room itself. A richer, moodier blend of Chivas 12-year-old, Hennessy VS, Freud whisky, Luxardo cherry syrup and chocolate bitters, it was deep, indulgent and quietly seductive – the kind of drink you order when the night has properly settled in.
The menu is designed for sharing, which works perfectly for a Galentine’s table. Mediterranean-leaning with a refined French influence, dishes arrive in a natural rhythm rather than a rigid structure Mistress of Mayfair New Menu . Lighter, seafood-led plates set things in motion before richer, more indulgent dishes appear as the evening deepens. It encourages that “one more dish” mentality ideal when no one wants to rush.
Service deserves its own mention. The staff were flirty in a charming way, matching the mood of the space without ever tipping into awkward or overfamiliar. Attentive, warm, and playful, they added to the sense that this was more than just dinner – it was a night out.
Mistress of Mayfair knows its audience and leans into it confidently. This isn’t a restaurant that aims to be understated or quiet. It’s about velvet booths, shared plates, glamour and atmosphere a place where dinner naturally stretches into the late evening.
48 St James St, Mayfair, SW1A 1JT
