Nestled down a side street off Piccadilly, you’ll find yourself at the doorstep of the beautiful Flemings Hotel. Listed in the 2019 edition of the Michelin Guide, this boutique hotel plays host to the Channel Island dining experience which is Ormer Mayfair.

 LOCATION ****

Ormer Mayfair is located slightly out of the heart of the West End just a short walk from Green Park Station. But the location is properly off the tourist trail, with an exclusive air of seclusion and privacy. There are a number of wild and wonderful bars and private member’s clubs where you can enjoy a drink before or after dinner.

AMBIENCE ***

The Flemings Hotel is one of London’s oldest hotels, dating back to 1851 and a member of the ‘Small Luxury Hotels of the World’ portfolio. As you enter this institution, you will be guided to Ormer, London’s only restaurant dedicated to cuisine from the island of Jersey. The Flemings hotel is set slightly away from the hustle and bustle of the heart of Mayfair so the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, and very apt for an intimate dinner.

With its classic décor and mood lighting, the ambience is elegant and classy. The windows are smaller and limiting the natural daylight than I would generally like, but it contributes to the enclosed atmosphere, along with the surroundings and detail. 

Adjacent to the restaurant you’ll find Manetta’s Bar, beautiful relaxing cocktail bar draped with plush velvet, black upholstery and rose gold fittings and one of Mayfair’s hidden gems. Manetta’s is a great place to enjoy a drink before indulging in a meal. My personal recommendation and favourite is their signature ‘Old Fashion’. Made with the bar’s own little twist, it is most definitely a drink for whisky lovers.

FOOD ****

The restaurant is under the guidance of Michelin star chef Shaun Rankin, who received a Michelin Star is 2005 for his first restaurant in the Channel Islands. He then launched his second restaurant in 2013 which was also awarded a Michelin star just four months after opening. Ormer Mayfair is Rankin’s latest venture.  

The dining experience at Ormer Mayfair delivers Shaun Rankin’s signature luxurious style from the Channel Islands. Fish and seafood play a starring role across the menu with duck, lamb and rabbit fighting for a little space. There are also separate menus for vegetarians and vegans.

Each plate is artfully presented and the taste and freshness of the food matches its beauty. The delicate flavours and fresh ingredients transport you to the coastlines of the country where fish is caught in the morning and you can enjoy it in London for lunch.

If you are visiting this restaurant, not having fish as one of your courses would be likened to enjoying Wimbledon without strawberries and cream. Sure you can do it, but you’re missing out on the full experience.

Highly recommended would be the Jersey Lobster Ravioli for starter, followed by the Scottish Halibut. If seafood for one course is enough, then the duck is also a great choice. To finish the meal, I would recommend the Apple Crumble with white chocolate, caramel and vanilla.

SERVICE *****

With a restaurant of this calibre, the service as you would expect is flawless. Immaculately dressed and presented waiting staff are pleasant, polite, informative and welcoming.

The staff have been trained to the upmost calibre as you would find in most fine dining restaurants. They have with the ability and enthusiasm to clearly explain each dish, along with being attentive without being intrusive.

PRICE ***

The dining price at Ormer Mayfair is slightly higher than other restaurants in the same calibre. The average starter is around £16 with mains around £32, and dessert around £10-£12 per person. The average bill for two people dining is likely to be around £140-£170, including wine and a drink before/after dinner.

A delightful restaurant with wonderful food. A fish lover’s delight and a dining experience in Mayfair which must be sampled.