Let’s see... Madonna was famously spotted sipping a pint (a pint!) there; Jude Law often swings by of an evening when he’s in London town; Leo DiCaprio, Justin Timberlake and Robert Downey Jr have taken their superstar selves along; Cheryl Cole’s popped in to drown her sorrows and even royalty has been spotted there, in the shape of Princess Beatrice, as well as regulars, William and Harry.
The ‘there’ in question is The Punch Bowl, the Mayfair pub British director Guy Ritchie bought back in 2008 with his then-wife Madge, when he was bemoaning the lack of star-friendly venues he could kickback in with his A-list pals.
Blessed with a super-chic W1 postcode, the understated pub is right at home in Mayfair – one of London’s most stylish and affluent areas – and dates back to 1750. The ideal destination if you’re heading to London this winter, it’s the perfect place to stop off at and collapse into one of the comfy armchairs, after a hard day’s of flexing the credit card in the designer stores nearby. All dark wood panelling and original dog-leg staircase, the
drinks selection is traditional, with specialist cask ales and vintage whiskeys available, along with a range of expertly chosen wines.
Make sure you book in advance to try out the candlelit and decidedly unstuffy restaurant, which offers up a British fusion menu of classic dishes given a modern twist – with all produce locally sourced from the myriad of surrounding markets. Try the Steamed English asparagus, served up with hollandaise and aged parmesan, or Beer-battered haddock, Chicken and leek pie or Cumberland sausages for winter warmers.
Oh, and don’t worry about that lot sitting at the table next to you, it’s probably just Mickey Rourke, Kevin Spacey and Sophie Dahl.
Inside info
Don’t leave The Punch Bowl without trying their delicious dish of Herb-crumbed lamb rump, baby carrots, crushed broad bean and mint jus, for Brit cuisine at its best.
Details
41 Farm Street,
London W1J 5RP
+44 207 493 6841
punchbowllondon.com
Argentina: El Baqueano, Buenos Aires
El Baqueano offers visitors to Buenos Aires a rare chance to taste some of the country’s dishes that are often forgotten in our globalised times. The exotic menu boasts the won’t-find-this-elsewhere llama carpaccio and Wild boar bruschetta – going beyond the traditional steaks usually associated with this part of the world. So, without visiting every corner of Argentina, you can do a nation-wide culinary trip in one sitting.
Call +54 011 4342 0802 or visit bit.ly/X0xQz
Russia: Charlotte, St Petersburg
Want to know where St Petersberg’s cool kids are all hanging out? Look no further than Charlotte Café. This ultra-hip cafe is the perfect place to chill out with the local ‘it’ crowd, but make sure you’re looking your best when you head there. Although it may look like your standard café-delicatessen – and you’re guaranteed to pick up a tasty treat when you visit – this little gem is a low-key haunt with a totally glamorous edge.
Call +7 812 571 8287 or visit bit.ly/oqk1E7
