Bonds, Mayfair, W1

Modern and upmarket Stonegate sports bar for the aspirant keyboard chimps, situated directly opposite the Duke of York. There are a few things in its favour over the competitor - it's done-out fairly well and I liked the green tiled lower servery. The staff were also quick and attentive. A pervading smell of truffle oil, I presume that must have been food-related, which sat oddly with the noise of the footy. Was mildly surprised to see three mainstream cask available in Pride, Harvey's Sussex Best and St Austell Tribute the latter of which was, aside from the crime of being served in a chunky cocktail glass, a GBG worthy drop (NBSS 3). I’m hardly likely to recommend you go here specially but I thought it was a better bet than the pub opposite. 5.5

Official site of Bonds - www.bondsmayfair.co.uk

Official site of Bonds - www.bondsmayfair.co.uk

More a modern bar than a pub,this sits on a street corner and has large picture windows giving lots of light internally.There are a whole series of dining type tables infront of the entrance and the bar,many will have reserved signs as food here is clearly popular.To the left is more of a drinking area with high tables and chairs.Towards the back to the left side of the bar there is an L shaped bench in green velour. There were three flatscreens showing the Six Nations,so there was a more lively atmosphere even though there were diners. At the bar three handpumps were dispencing Harvey's Sussex Best,Sharp's Doom Bar and a decent St Austell Tribute (NBSS 3).Not an exciting line up ,but sufficient.However I can't imagine a revisit,there are so many identikit places like this in the West End.