The Dover.

A New York Italian restaurant and bar in Mayfair, this place is hidden away in Dover Street. With its blacked out windows and not so easily spotted name on the door, The Dover is certainly one of my all-time-favourites. Its atmosphere gives the feeling that you're celebrating an occasion, even if you are not.

When entering the venue, having walked through the drapped curtains you feel like your walking into an old fashioned movie scene set back in time. The bar and restaurant is intimate and cosy, popcorn is served as a bar snack with drinks, in-keeping with that overall feeling.

When halfway through your martini, the white-jacket and bow tied waiter comes over with a frozen martini glass straight out of the freezer and pours your half consumed slightly less cold martini back into a frozen glass. It is gestures like these that put its hospitality service into a higher category.

As you walk through to the back where the restaurant is situated, you'll notice the place just gets even more trendy. With vynal record players on display and stylish music through the speaker system, The Dover has never disappointed on any visit.

The bathroom even has mouthwash and little paper cups (perhaps for those that ordered the garlic-heavy dishes.) Another little gesture of hospitality, something that you usually only see in the highest end luxury five star hotels.

The venue has hidden alcoves and tables tucked away, giving a very cosy feel. Although these photos of the venue were taken very early in the evening, by 6:30pm the place was completely packed, every table was taken, and quite often you may find it difficult to even get a table here at all.

Although the venue was very busy, the staff really made an effort to make sure your experience was great.

'Moreish' describes the type of food, from French fries to spagetti lobster, with a really great 'bar-snacks' range. Crispy potato cakes and caviar, the type of food that is elevated but rather fun, and just the type of food that is wanted after a cocktail or two.

As the evening goes on, the lights get lower, and the music plays a bigger part of the evening, it almost feels like your in a club.

With a smart-and-elegant only dress code, and candle lit tables throughout.

This place makes an effort. Great food, and an even better atmosphere. Definitely recommend.

Book now at: https://thedoverrestaurant.com/info/