West End Grub
Tucked away down the side streets, this much loved Mayfair pub offers comfort and good solid fare
Review by Rupert Watkins
The Punchbowl has had its share of publicity over the years. Once part owned by Guy Richie, this popular Mayfair eatery continues to pull in the punters with a blend of good food, strong drink and relaxed and stylish surroundings.
Wooden panelled and snug in the downstairs bar with traditional prints of old London adorning the walls, the bar is – as one would expect of a West End hostelry – well stocked, their gin selection especially took the eye.
My guest and I being shown to our quiet table at the back of the bar the serious business of eating began. Comforting, home cooked fare makes up the well balanced menu. With about eight starters and eight mains, the menu is balanced with plenty to tempt the steak fanatic and vegetable lover equally. My guest opted for the braised oxtail and red wine reduction, the tail tender and the overall dish tasty. Conversation flagged as I tackled the sardines with a spicy tomato ketchup. Served on good sourdough, the fish was punchy and nicely salty.
Whilst waiting for our main courses, my guest – the adventurer Justine Gosling – and I continued to chat about the foibles of Eastern European traffic (she has just cycled the length of the old Iron Curtain) over a bottle of 2015 Chamuyo Argentinian Malbec. Bold and robust it was a rather drinkable number. Yet again, chatter abated with the arrival of her Colne Valley Barnsley lamb chop with braised cabbage and my Punchbowl pie of the day – which on this evening was fish. The chop was judged well cooked and delicious as was my pie.
Portions are hearty at The Punchbowl but dessert was approached with enthusiasm. Proper, solid and gooey chocolate and sticky toffee puddings saw the meal to a satisfying and filling end.
As well as the snug downstairs bar, The Punchbowl also has a first floor dining room and a private room above that. Its dining room is a much lighter, airier and funkier room with stripped back floors and pop art on the walls. Their private dining room with space for 16 round one elegant table is a nice room, well-furnished in a more traditional, if quirky town house influenced manner. Those seeking a party spot should definitely seek it out.
Guy Richie’s link is verging on old history here now, the whole place was renovated in October 2014. For a spot of filling and traditional pub food – or a discreetly bacchanalian little bash – head up the little Mayfair cul-de-sac to this establishment. 
Enquiries: The Punchbowl, 41 Farm Street, Mayfair, London W1J / 0207 4936841 / www.punchbowllondon.com/