Mahiki Mayfair

I could not get enough of the cocktails in here! They were so yummy and the funky cups each individual cocktail came in was a bonus. Not expensive for these special drinks too! I wish I could upload pictures! If you want a bar with a bit above your average joe drinks, Mahiki is the place to go! We also ate in here and as much as there was not much choice (only starter nibbles) it was delicious. Service was good, we were not ignored and our waitress was bubbly with recommendation and conversation! * I went on a week day, not sure if it would be the same service/ atmosphere on a Friday or Saturday night. It was very quiet and there were only about 5 other groups inside; how I prefer it.

We had been invited to a friend's birthday party being held there, and were on the guest list. Arrived all smart and ready to spend and party; but were told by the strange doorman that he had “already let in too many people for that party”. So he refused us entry despite very polite protestations and explanations. Heads deeply up the rectal canal here. Only go if you like curt haughty door staff.

It's really hard to get one's head around the so-called ‘open’ concept of Mahiki. Although it constantly advertised itself as having one-of-a-kind open door venue, yet, it is not that easy to get in, even on a weekday! Over the recent few years, Mahiki has built its rep thanks to photos of young royals and royals-to-be (or wannabe) and celebrities stumbling out of the venue with a big grin (as they obviously know that they will be papped!) – shows mere mortals like us that Mahiki is the place to be. And if you visit their website, again they play on the ‘open’ door policy. But the reality is, the person at the door is paid to make ensure the ‘right’ clientele can enter and if lucky get a table for some very basic tasting food. And also if you dont have lots off £££ to spend on drinks, then don't bother, as it is really a cocktail bar so you must be willing to spend almost half of your monthly wages to have a good time. And boys & girls, don't forget to dress for the camera ;-) .