Perched on a corner site of Haymarket’s dead end, this is a location which has seen more bars and restaurants go bust than Tony Blair’s policies!
So is this Mediterranean-style joint going to be able to stand its ground?
They say:
Top Table: “This London gem is a gorgeous place with a truly happening bar that is tremendously chilled.”
The Guardian’s The Guide: “Long drinks are undistinguished and indistinguishable.”
Square Meal: “It’s like stepping into a chic speakeasy in 1950s Tangiers.”
We say:
At first glance, the interior is so dark and dreary you’d think they’d forgotten to pay the electricity bill. But let your eyes settle and the ornate architecture – this used to be a bank yonks ago – and the muted hues come popping through.
The back room restaurant is a tad showier with chandeliers and north African motifs.
Okay, so the décor impresses, yet, where it really matters – the booze and the bar tapas, Dune’s a major let down. The cocktails run the gamut of the run of the mill classics, shooters and martinis, albeit well done, while the bites, with the odd exception, are served on toast – canapé style. Whose bright idea was that?
Besides, the likes of grilled chicken marinated in Moroccan spices or forlorn looking king prawns weren’t exactly writhing with flavour. Lame stuff that’s suited for office parties and no more.
ADDRESS
11 Haymarket
London
SW1Y 4BP
tel, 020 7839 2424
POSTED...
Wed 7 Jun 2006 at 11:31pm
