37a Curzon Street,
Mayfair,
London,
W1J 7TX
0871 971 3628
Note: Calls cost 10p per min plus network extras.
The ViewLondon Review
Slide into this Moroccan wonderland for some spicy and exotic cocktails.
The Venue
London's a big city with plenty of drinking dens but you have to admit there is a sameness to a lot of it. Mamounia Lounge is one of those rare places that stands out because it's a bit different. Amen. With a rocking soundtrack of Buddha Bar beats, it is a comfortable and chic Aladdin's den of a place. Everywhere you look there is something to catch your eye. From the low brass tables to the red velvet walls it stimulates all of the senses. The main floor is a bar with a separate restaurant downstairs. They also have a covered outdoor area so they can offer shisha, not allowed inside since the smoking ban.
The Atmosphere
To a Westerner, the Middle-Eastern vibe gives it a frisson of excitement. Not sure what to expect, you just go along on the magic carpet ride. A mixture of middle-aged businessmen and younger 'see-and-be-seen' types makes for an interesting mix at Mamounia Lounge. The servers have enough attitude to make you feel the drink prices are justified!
The Food
The bar offers a selection of Middle-Eastern finger foods like hummus and mezze from £4.50. There are sharing platters in the bar that give you the chance to sample various light bites. The restaurant downstairs offers a lot more in the way of substantial meal choices with Lebanese and Moroccan influences.
The Drink
Gorgeous cocktails with lots of fruit prevail. There’s a succinct menu covering twists on the classics such as various flavoured Mamounia mojitos with a secret added ingredient. How about a watermelon martini made with fresh juice, or various short and long cocktails using mixtures of berries, mint and vodkas? Cocktails at Mamounia Lounge are definitely the main attraction. They could never be called cheap, with the average price being just under ten quid, but the experience of the place certainly warrants a drink or two.
That said, if you’re trying to save some cash then there is a good – and rather lengthy – choice of wine and Champagne by the glass, including a decent Malbec house red for £4.50. There are page upon page of premium spirits for you to sample, which always a good indicator of a quality bar offering high end cocktails. There are only three bottles of beer to choose from, but for £4 for Peroni, Budweiser or Stella in a quality Mayfair bar it’s hard to complain.
The Last Word
Mamounia Lounge sits right next to the Curzon cinema and as such is a fantastic place for a pre- or post-cinema drink. Exotic and just sexy enough, it would make a great seduction spot.
Mamounia Lounge has been reviewed by 19 users