The Only Running Footman is a thriving gastropub in the heart of swanky Mayfair. Despite a few negative aspects, it’s hard not to fall in love with this charming pub with the friendliest service in the district.

The Venue
The Only Running Footman can be found along Charles Street, just off Berkley Square. The appeal is immediate as an olde day sign states that you’ve reached your destination. It’s as simple as it is charming - a red brick building amidst all the modern, gleaming bars, restaurants and properties usually associated with the area.

There isn’t a great deal of room on the ground floor where the main bar is located, although there is a dining area upstairs that offers more space and, when the weather allows, a few outdoor tables that can happily accommodate up to three people. Inside, the tables are larger, although there aren’t many to choose from, and around the edge of the pub you’ll find high stools. Above the bar spins a large ceiling fan to cool down what could have been a stuffy room and there’s a small TV screen in the corner. The toilets aren’t the nicest in the world, and be careful not to get the table near the disabled loo as the door to the stall opens directly onto the table. All in all, it’s pretty basic but, perhaps surprisingly, it makes a pleasant change to the money-laden, sterile bars of the area.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere at The Only Running Footman is one of hurried calm. Unsurprisingly, it is difficult to be seated during the busy lunchtime or post-work rush when the tables are filled with property brokers and the suits of the neighbouring offices. However, at no point are you made to feel unwelcome or a burden to an already full-to-bursting pub. Instead, the staff are happy, friendly and efficient. Expect to be served quickly, whether at the bar or via the excellent table service, and for your order to arrive promptly – an important consideration when you just have an hour to wolf down your lunch and head back to the office to close that all-important deal. The most pleasant surprise is the way that members of staff come around to all of the tables to check if you’re OK and whether you enjoyed your meal. A heartwarming touch that is lost on most lunchtime pubs, bars and restaurants in London.

The Food
There’s a separate restaurant upstairs at The Only Running Footman; however, there is a wide ranging bar menu that covers all the bases. As far as quality goes, the selections can be a little hit and miss, although the prices are excellent.

The soup of the day is just under £5 and comes with a delicious bread selection of fluffy white and brown malts. However, it is therefore confusing as to why the sandwiches are under par. Although decently priced at below £5, and accompanied with crispy, lightly salted parsnip crisps and a selection of light, crunchy lettuce leaves, the offerings aren’t great. The beef with horseradish sauce sarnie can be a little dry, with no salad to bring out the flavour. The bread is so dry it could almost be considered stale and the filling is, well, not very filling. However, the horseradish roots that can be found in the sauce shows that some attention to detail has been made. The same goes for the chicken sandwich with lemon mayonnaise. If you’re expecting a nicely filled, creamy sandwich you’ll be disappointed. There’s not a great deal of chicken – although what is included is tender and flavoursome - and barely a smidgen of mayonnaise, which is neither creamy nor lemony. That said, they fill a hole and are served quickly. It’s hard not to like the place – somehow, the issues with the bar food seem not to matter and you’ll leave full and satisfied.

The Drink
There is a decent selection of drink including Bombardier ale for lovers of the dark stuff and Staropramen beer. There’s also a good selection of spirits, and the prices are remarkably low for the area – a G and T and a pint will set you back around £6 – good by London standards and excellent value for Mayfair.

There’s a more-than-adequate wine menu that shows off the fact that this charming gastropub is in Mayfair and the clientele still expect a certain level of quality. The easy-to-understand menu is well laid out and covers all the bases, from the cheaper end of the scale to the extortionate. They’ve also introduced the long missed selection of dessert wines, which is a welcome sight on the menu. There is even a range of Champagnes available for the more discerning of tastes, which range from the £25-£50 mark.

The Last Word
A charming pub in the heart of Mayfair, The Only Running Footman brings a much-needed heart to one of the richest areas of London.

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