Another day, another award-winning spot in the city for us to wax lyrical about. And today’s (relatively) humble brag comes in the form of The Punch Bowl; the historic Mayfair boozer that just so happens to have recently been crowned the ‘Best Destination Pub’ in London, courtesy of leading lifestyle publication, Muddy Stilettos.
Having rummaged through the rather hefty treasure chest of London gems, Muddy Stilettos dished out some coveted awards to the best of the bunch, with categories ranging from bars and beauty salons to Pilates studios and – of course – pubs. And it’s London’s regional winner of the latter that I plan on spending the next few minutes boasting telling you about.
Credit: @thepunchbowlpub via Instagram
Muddy Stiletto’s ‘Best Destination Pub’ in London
Tucked away down a quaint-and-quiet Mayfair side-street, The Punch Bowl is one of the oldest pubs in the area. And comes with a pretty fascinating past. The warm and welcoming watering hole offers the perfect spot for Londoners to meet, eat and retreat from the bustling streets of the capital city.
The history of The Punch Bowl
So, onto that fascinating past I briefly mentioned. Dating all the way back to 1729, The Punch Bowl has an extensive history. It was licensed to serve alcohol in 1786, and had to be rebuilt in 1792 after a major fire. It also served as a magistrates’ court in its early days. But it was in the noughties when it had its real claim to fame. It featured as Madonna’s local pub in her 2005 documentary ‘I’m Going to Tell You a Secret‘, and was then later snapped up by the iconic singer and director, Guy Ritchie. After the pair split, Ritchie kept the pub until he sold it in 2013.
The Punch Bowl nowadays
The Grade II listed pub is now a proud member of the Butcombe family, and oozes traditional British pub vibes. But with a sprinkling of luxury, because it is in Mayfair, after all. Many of the building’s original period features remain, like its staircase and dark wooden paneling. Boasting a cosy pub area downstairs, a slightly fancier dining room upstairs, and a separate private dining section; there’s truly an area of the boozer to suit any occasion.
The Punch Bowl serves up a food menu full of classic pub grub, made with seasonal British ingredients and a minimal-fuss cooking approach. The drinks menu is bursting at the seams with craft beers, cask ales, fine wines and cocktails. With live music every week, staff as welcoming as the atmosphere itself, and some of the cosiest nooks and crannies in the capital; there’s plenty of reasons to immediately add The Punch Bowl to your must-visit list.
đź“Ť 41 Farm Street, W1J 5RP.