Heddon Street favourite Momo has had a reboot and with it comes a wonderful Aladdin’s cave-style speakeasy unlike anywhere else in London. Gloriously ornate, bathed in low, golden light and hidden behind a heavy unmarked wooden door at the bottom of steep stone stairs just left of the main restaurant, Kwãnt feels like the illicit high society bolthole you might discover underneath a Marrakech souk, should a well-meaning hawker accidentally let the password slip.
Imagine a place perfect for furtive affairs, under-the-radar business deals and inconspicuous celebrity meet-ups: the atmosphere is civilised, the space ultra chic. The intricately woven bamboo ceiling is tempered by leather Chesterfield sofas and slick black surfaces, with a hand-painted plant mural flanked by regal potted palms.
The menu, too, is just as glamorous. Cocktails come courtesy of award-winning bartender Erik Lorincz (of The Savoy’s American Bar fame), who has partnered with Momo’s owner, Mourad Mazouz (also responsible for Sketch, hence the next-level design), on the subterranean spot. Flawlessly made Negronis and Gimlets are served alongside innovations such as the Green Pony (Copperhead Gin with Fallen Pony, lemon, spirulina and tonic).
For the big spenders, there’s also a tantalising hoard of vintage cocktails. A Dry Martini made from Eighties vermouth will set you back £145, the special Sazerac £475. When it comes to bar snacks, the no-brainers are, of course, the bejewelled falafels and Momo’s famed houmous. But also worth an order are the crisp crab-stuffed bourek. This elevated take on a Middle Eastern classic would make for the perfect canapé, which is really rather fortuitous -because GQ loves the idea of renting out the bar for a private party. Hold a birthday here and any man’s status atop his social circle would surely be secured.
For more great places to drink, check out our list of the best bars in London.
25 Heddon St, Mayfair, London W1B 4BH. Momo.London
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