Oyster bar

So many non-French international cities have at least a couple of great brasserries.  Bellamy’s in the Mayfair area of central London surpasses many others in terms of caliber of cuisine and atmosphere.  Located on Bruton Place nearby fashionable boutiques such as Stella McCartney and Matthew Williamson, Bellamy’s is a lighthearted yet boisterous all-day kind of restaurant where you can go anytime and wash down a plate of Irish Rock Oysters with a draught beer or savor a famous Bellamy’s open faced sandwich with a glass of champagne before doing some shopping or running off to see a movie.

www.bellamysrestaurant.co.uk

Or you can lounge around for a couple of hours and laugh as loud as you'd like with friends over a full meal—Champagne Barnaut Grand Cru, Smoked Eel Mouse, Lyonnaise Salad, an impeccable Fillet of Sole with oil, lemon and pommes vapeur (steamed potatoes) or any of the other classic French fare featured on the menu. On the other hand you can try the Steak Tartare which includes the thickest, most perfect pommes frittes (French fries) served on the side of the immaculately seasoned tartare. 

Outside of Bellamy's 18-18a Bruton Place London W1J 6LY (left) Bar area (right)

On the starter menu I am in love with Bellamy’s Cocktail of Avocado and Prawns.  It might seem like the most “typical” choice however this version of “shrimp cocktail” includes a special cream dip which replaces customary tomato cocktail sauce and the prawns are placed on a peeled and oh so fresh and softly edible half avocado.  There are numerous reasonably priced good wines on the wine list, all French.  The wine menu was inspired by John Armit, a celebrated wine merchant and connoisseur in the United Kingdom. 

Bellamy's Store

Established in 2004 Bellamy’s management comprises of the dashing and quick with a smile owner Gavin Rankin, manager Chris Steiger and chef Stéphane Pacoud.  The servers at Bellamy’s are delightfully friendly, efficient and never too formal which I found to be a breath of fresh air in comparison to a few other so called “chi-chi” restaurants I visited while in London.  The entrance to Bellamy’s includes a shop and oyster bar which leads you to the restaurant area.  The shop specializes in caviar, smoked salmon, various fromages and other delicacies which you can pick up on your way out after enjoying a meal.  Or you can step into the shop for a couple of rounds of oysters at the Oyster Bar. 

Owner, Gavin Rankin

In the shop it is very likely that you will notice a cherished, framed photograph of Mr. Rankin meeting Queen Elizabeth who visited Bellamy’s in 2006.  As an American visiting in London, I must admit that I was absolutely blown away by the fact that I was walking on the same floor and eating lunch in the same restaurant that the Queen of England herself once stepped in.  By the time I left Bellamy’s I felt a little sting of sadness knowing that I will not be able to visit this restaurant again until my next trip to London.   

A photo of Queen Elizabeth at Bellamy's in 2006

For more information please visit: http://www.bellamysrestaurant.co.uk

Bellamy’s is open for lunch (12.00am to 2.30pm) and dinner (7.00pm to 10.30pm)
Monday to Friday and for dinner on Saturday
Closed for Saturday lunch and all day Sunday as well as Bank Holidays

Bellamy’s is located at:
18-18a Bruton Place London W1J 6LY
T: 0207 491 2727

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