Looking for escapism? Something a little bit different? A bit upmarket? A bit snazzy? Molton House might just be your place. It is all of these and more.
Quite frankly this is one of the most interesting venues I've visited for quite some time.
Situated on South Molton Street, the home of shoe shopping in London, is Molton House, a newish (it opened last November) members club, bar and restaurant that is far from 'soul-less'. This building used to be another members only club which I was invited to a few times and never really liked. The new owner is Nick Valentine and he has a track record of creating upscale venues that you actually want to spend time in.
Despite the credit crunch, I am told that Molton House has over 500 members, all paying £500 a year for the privilege of being a member here. For us Londoners that like to try something different, but don't want to pay hundreds in subscriptions, the good news is that anyone can book a table in the bar or restaurant, so long as you give them a bit of warning and the bouncers don't decide to take offence to you at the door. Members do get priority over non members of course, but pick a quieter night like a Wednesday and you'll be almost guaranteed a table.
The beautiful Georgian house at number 43 South Molton Street hides 4 floors of decadence. Reception at ground floor level makes you feel like you've entered an opium den for the very rich. It is warm, sexy, mesmerising and the girls welcoming you with a smile aren't bad either. Downstairs is a small club. We were too early for anything to be happening but it looked very nice. Up the sweeping staircase and you'll find a small bar to the left, stocked well with spirits and barmen. They'll make you anything you desire and are good with suggestions. Across the hallway you'll find the cosy dining room. We sat down about 8pm and were the first table, but it soon filled up.
The menu consists of a selection of dishes that are ideal for sharing. All dishes are priced around the £10 mark with 5 or 6 choices of vegetarian, fish and meat. Every dish is recognisable but with an interesting twist and everything we had was absolutely delicious. Wine is reasonably priced from about £25 upwards.
But honestly, I would not come here just for the food. Tasty? Absolutely. Good service? Definitely. Reasonably priced? Yes. But Molton House has so much more that eating is just the entree. Just a way of fortifying yourself before turning up your mojo and getting it on with the beautiful people milling around the bar upstairs and the club downstairs. It's like eating here gives you a pass to enjoy the darker delights that this club has to offer, without the expense of the membership.
I should also mention that one flight further up the staircase will bring you to a private dining room that can also be booked without being a member. It seats about 10 and would make a perfect venue for a birthday celebration with close friends. Let's hope my wife reads this...
Molton House
43 South Molton Street
London
W1K 5RS
t: 020 7 493 1688
w: www.moltonhouse.com
