A hotel restaurant in one of London’s poshest postcodes with a menu that’s more cringe than class.

The Venue
Madisons is set within the four star Washington Mayfair Hotel but its restaurant doesn’t live up to the hotel’s rating. Its look is somewhat outdated, giving off a tacky cruise ship vibe with its gaudy brown carpet decorated in a ‘70s-esque swirly pattern. Some of the walls are covered with unfashionable wood panelling whilst the others are painted in bright blue that clashes with the wood and brown carpet. It’s quite a big split-level space, though, that benefits from massive windows that look onto the street.

The Atmosphere
Madisons restaurant recently played host to live music in the form of an instrumental guitarist, however he no longer plays at the restaurant and they’re currently looking at other options in regards to music. Diners, who are most likely hotel guests, are a mix of old and young, couples and groups. Staff are pleasant and professional.

The Food
The food at Madisons leaves a lot to be desired and the menu is very limited. A choice of four starters include prawns in chilli mayo dressing on melba toast and a Greek salad with honey mustard dressing. The former resembles a prawn cocktail from the 1970s. The prawns, served cold with a slice of wafer-thin toast, are quite small, whilst the mayo dressing is pink but not exactly spicy, adding some texture but no flavour. The latter is unexciting. Made up of limp salad leaves, feta cheese, olives and cucumber, it is drizzled in a heavy dressing that has a vinegary flavour that overpowers any sense of honey.

For mains, the Brie, red pepper and sundried tomato quiche is a small portion. Served as a triangular slice on a bed of iceberg lettuce, the only sundried tomatoes in sight are in the form of a little pesto drizzled on the plate. The quiche’s texture is thick and creamy, but it’s tasteless. Meanwhile, a small portion of chicken stroganoff is served with bite-sized chicken pieces drowned in a buttery sauce with plain rice – there’s more rice and sauce than chicken. Once again it’s much blander than you would expect, even for a creamy dish.

Dessert at Madisons is the highlight of the meal. The chocolate fudge brownie cake, served with a thick layer of icing, is moist and rich but overly sweet, whilst the Boston brownie is served warm with a lovely crunchy exterior and a soft and crumbly centre. Two courses cost £16.95 and three courses cost £19.95.

The Drink
The wine list outshines the food menu at Madisons with plenty of reds, whites, roses and Champagnes to take your pick from. Bottles start at £17.95. La Croix Blanc, the house white, is a crisp and fruity sauvignon blanc that’s served super chilled and is quite enjoyable. The most expensive wine costs £49.95 per bottle, and five white and five reds are also available by the glass, from £4.95 to £6.95. It’s an international list, featuring countries like Spain, Argentina, France and New Zealand. Cocktails like Pina Coladas, Sea Breezes, Mai Tais and Long Island Iced Teas are £7.50, whilst frozen cocktails (including Margaritas and Vanilla Martinis) are £7. Champagne cocktails are available for £8.95 and include Kir Royales. Tea and coffee, including espresso, cappuccino and lattes, are also available.

The Last Word
Although their set menus are a low priced option that you won’t otherwise find in Mayfair, you get what you pay for and you can’t expect Michelin-starred decor and food for the price. Not the place to go if you’re after a stand-out meal.

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