11 Avery Row,
Mayfair,
London,
W1K 4AN
(020) 7629 1643
The ViewLondon Review
In an area saturated with bars and restaurants, this traditional English pub stands out thanks to its friendly atmosphere and cosy surroundings.
The Venue
The Iron Duke can be found tucked away on Avery Row, fighting for space with neighbouring shops and restaurants on the outskirts of a tightly-knit maze of bars in Mayfair. Behind the dark green exterior, complete with hanging potted plants and cobbled courtyard, the pub is made up of a bustling, L-shaped main room with a distinctly old-world feel.
Recently renovated, the wood and cream-coloured walls are adorned with panoramic black and white photos of graduates and a collection of mounted boots, in homage to the eponymous duke, while the far side of the room houses a daunting collection of gilt-framed paintings, mirrors and iron chandeliers. If this all sounds slightly pompous, fear not – the well-stocked bar to the left-hand side is easily accessible and there is adequate room – divided into leather booths, high bar stools and wooden tables - to house a full complement of after-work socialites until closing time.
The Atmosphere
For some of the most highly-valued real estate in the world, this Mayfair mainstay is surprisingly down-to-earth and welcoming. The atmosphere is usually boisterous, in defiance of the rather ‘public school’ aesthetic, and both the well-to-do clientèle and obliging, friendly staff make for pleasant drinking companions. The conversation flows freely, the music is spot on and overall there are few better places in the vicinity of Oxford Street in which to unwind after a hard days shopping.
The Food
The Iron Duke offers a decent range of British cuisine, with classics such as hanger steak (£14.50) and chicken and mushroom pie (£10) issuing forth from the cannily-concealed kitchen. There is also a hearty selection of bar snacks and sandwiches (£7) served throughout the day, and beef wellington is served every Friday in honour of the Iron Duke himself. The fare is reasonably priced but not spectacular, and the desserts in particular are somewhat stodgy, but those passers-by looking for an authentic pub grub experience could do worse than pull up a seat here.
The Drink
Bound in an extravagant leather book, the house wine list is both extensive and impressive, with the Rioja proving to be a steal at £21 a bottle, while the draught and bottled beers (including Peroni, Becks, Honey Dew, London Pride and a couple more well-kept Fuller’s ales) are on sale at around £3.50-£4 a pint. Of particular note are the dozens of Scottish whiskies listed in painstaking detail, as well as the shelves of spirits on show behind the lacquered bar.
The Last Word
Centrally located and full of good cheer, the Iron Duke offers welcome respite from the mayhem of Mayfair.
Iron Duke has been reviewed by 1 users