About a year ago, I paid a visit to the then newly opened Mamounia Lounge in Knightsbridge. Just as it was launching, its sister outlet in Mayfair was closing down for a refurb. Last month, Mamounia Lounge Mayfair re-opened. With both Mamounias up and running, Londoners now have two swank reasons to enjoy a night out in Arabian style. Here’s a quick report from my recent visit to the re-opend Mayfair venue.
As at ML Knightsbridge, odds are if you visiting during the evening you’ll get to catch a belly dancer gyrate through the dining area. And if you’re lucky (or is that unlucky) like me, you’ll get pulled from your seat and be expected to wiggle along with her Yeah, it’s a fun place to visit. Lavish too – and a little over the top, though still well within the confines of good taste.
The food is quality Middle Eastern. Harira soup (traditional Moroccan vegetable soup with saffron, lentils, vermicelli, coriander and chickpeas, £6.50) is lovely starter. The drinks are swell too. Consider the Mamounia Special (fresh basil shaken with Stoli Vanilla Vodka,
lime juice and sugar served over crushed ice, £8). Refreshing! The vibe: Mayfair swank with an exotic edge. There’s shisha out front with heat lamps too.
Prices reflect the area expectations and fall in line with the lounge’s proximity to Berkley Square, but that said aren’t unreasonable given preparation, presentation and proportion. An ample Mixed Grill selection of “all our grilled meats” (skewers of chicken, lamb and kafta) costs £18. For puds, the mahalabia (“Arabic pudding” garnished with pistachios, £6) is a real treat.
Mamounia Lounge Mayfair is located at 37A Curzon Street, W1J7TX. Find out more at mamounialounge.com.
