MNKY HSE is an intimate Latin American bar and restaurant, serving a unique blend of high quality and contemporary South American cuisine with a unique British spin. Jamie Ndah reports back.
The Latin American gastronomic landscape in London has grown in popularity over the last few years. Therefore, I was intrigued to find out what this latest addition to the fine dining scene had to offer. MNKY HSE (pronounced Monkey House) is located on the former site of the iconic Dover Street Wine Bar, nestled in the heart of Mayfair and a short walk from Green Park station.
On my arrival, my welcome was warm and inviting, and as I made my way downstairs to the restaurant, it was clear to see this is no ordinary eatery. Hidden behind a discreet town-house style exterior, MNKY HSE is split across two levels.
The venue includes an exclusive intimate bar and lounge area upstairs aptly named MNKY LGE, and a stylish main restaurant and bar downstairs that transforms into a pulsating night time setting. The lighting is dim and the decor plush with contemporary artwork that adorns the walls and makes for a luxuriant atmosphere.
The restaurant caters for 130 covers and has an open plan kitchen which overlooks banquette seating that is adjustable to accommodate dancing and encourage table-hopping.
There are a number of semi-private booths on offer which are built into artistically designed vaults, and are covered with vintage steel lift doors. These swanky pews are perfect for larger bookings or for those seeking a more intimate dining experience.
The two gorgeous bar areas are beautifully furnished with ultramodern pieces and serve a fine selection of premium drinks, cocktails, mezcals and excellent mocktails which make it the perfect destination for after work drinks or for that special celebration. In fact, MNKY HSE has become a real hotspot with celebrities and VIPs with the likes of Nicole Scherzinger, Tinie Tempah, Oswald Boateng, to name but a few, all passing through its doors.