The Grazing Goat
Marylebone, London
Country-style pub with rooms and fabulous food, in a peaceful neighbourhood close to some of London's best shops
It’s the quiet ones you need to watch. So when The Grazing
Goat opened in December 2010 without fuss or fanfare, and quickly
became popular through word of mouth alone, we knew we’d
found a gem. Set in Portman Village, a brief stroll from Marble
Arch tube, this gastro pub with rooms doesn't have the most obvious
London location. And yet... It's a 5-minute walk from Hyde Park or
Selfridges, and 10 minutes from the stylish shops and eateries of
Marylebone High Street. Sit out front with a G&T on a sunny
evening, and you feel you’re in on a central-London
secret.
Wander inside to the buzzy bar propped up by locals, or upstairs to
the welcoming dining room. There are oak tables, fishing prints,
pots of orchids. Large wicker lampshades hang over tables for 2-10
and a fire burns in winter. But it’s the food that steals the
show. A mix of classy British fare and traditional gastro fodder,
everything tastes superb.
Up more stairs, the 8 rooms are comfy with sleigh beds,
muted colour schemes and oak panelling; the decor isn't overly
exciting but they are surprisingly large. You get mini hydrangeas
in a pot, quirky lamps and rain showers. But best of all you get
quiet, even when downstairs hums with life.
Reviewed by Liz Simpson
Last updated 15 March 2012
Highs
- Staff are wonderful - warm, welcoming, helpful
- Excellent food. A massive cut above your average gastro-pub fare (think scallops, quails, rabbit pie), and all beautifully presented with an excellent wine list to match
- Superking beds clad in crisp linens ensure a deep sleep
- Great location for shopping and an easy stroll to Marble Arch and Bond Street tube stations; you can zip about London with ease
- Perfect for independent types who know the city and don't need hand-holding
Lows
- No formal reception, though you do get a number to call should you have a problem / need a concierge
- The decor all feels a bit new. As it ages, it will get better
- Sound carries in the dining room, so if you’re next to a lively group or a particularly noisy individual, you’ll know about it
- Our room got rather hot during the night due to the towel rail - switch it off before bed
- Popular with business guests; lots of informal meetings are held in the bar and dining room
