“I know this great little place…”
A guide to Planet Earth’s charming spots. Death to dull chains.
“I know this great little place…”
A guide to Planet Earth’s charming spots. Death to dull chains.
Some places just have that certain something. The French have a phrase for it: ‘zat certain sumsing!’ Quirky spots you stumble upon and tell stories about. Lesser known marvels like bonkers bars, rickety restaurants or curious museums where the curator’s cats run wild. It’s not about price or prestige, no, no. It’s all charm and character. Places with personality. That’s a GLP, my friend. Come in and explore, then go out and explore.
This is what it’s all about. A close friend was over from New Yoik, who I don’t get to see very much. Myself, her and a mutual friend met for a drink in The Grapes in Shepherd Market Mayfair, as it was near her hotel. Given it’s Christmas this mostly involved drinking a pint in a sort of contortionist style, pressed up against a wall and harking at what joy it was. We soon escaped and began to look for a restaurant. After not very long we spotted the immortal words ‘Polish / Mexican Bistro’ above an inviting looking place. Of all the Polish / Mexican bistros I’ve ever been confronted with, this looked the best. Teamed up with a plaque that said ‘Mayfair’s Oldest Wine Bar’ and lots of stickers from various reviewers that suggested we wouldn’t get food poisoning, we were sold. L’Autre is the place’s name, completing the bizarre cultural blend, and inside is an equally blissful blend of kitsch and class – brimming with personality and every inch the GLP. We got a cosy little table in the corner next to a fully 70s looking electric fire, surrounded by authentic beams, themselves adorned with fairy lights and police hats, amongst other paraphernalia. How many restaurants can you have nachos to start and venison goulash for main? It worked.
The staff were friendly and courteous, the food was good and great in places – hearty and tasty – and a decent wine selection. A trip down to the facilities revealed a downstairs too, with everyone having a right old time. That’s what the best great little places do – make sure everyone is having a great time and feels like they’re in on something. Next time you’re round that way, get yourself in on L’Autre.
Have you been here? Then be a champion and give it a rating. No set numbers, just go by your razor sharp instincts. What's this about?
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From "a bit straight laced" to "warm, inviting, full of character and soul, a real class act."
From "a fairly familiar formula", to "there's nowhere else like it."
From "it's OK, a bit ordinary", to "turns on the senses and makes you feel better about the world."
From "you're not going to remember it" to "you're not going to forget it."
Food sub par--"Mexican" choices tasted like they were made with supermarket pre-made sauces or seasoning blends. Maybe the Polish food was better? Not particularly willing to find out.
Went last night, the food was average and way too expensive for what they are serving.
Not a good choice for this one.
A treasure in Mayfair.
Lovely food, surreal experience (Mexican/Polish) had everyone talking about the place for days afterwards. Prices were reasonable and this was our third visit and the third time we left nicely sozzeled on a weeknight. I blame the friendly service..
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