Located in Marylebone, Mour leaves us hungry for more.
As we make our way through Marylebone, we struggle to find the new Mediterranean restaurant, Mour. The name is so discreet, sitting in small lettering on the frontage of a traditional Georgian townhouse, that it’s easy to walk on by. Once you’re inside, however, you may well not want to leave – we stayed for three hours and still found ourselves wanting, well, more or Mour.
Tucked away on Seymour Street, Mour is a hidden hideaway. We arrived at lunchtime at the weekend, and it was already buzzing with conversation and clinking glasses. It felt as though we’d stepped into a stylish friend’s living room, complete with a charming courtyard and some seriously good food. High ceilings, book-lined shelves, heavy draped curtains and a Bayeux Tapestry-style wall hanging created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Rich shades of brown and green filled the interior, while chic coastal vibes could be found outdoors.
London is bursting with new Mediterranean restaurants right now, but what sets Mour apart is its international approach. The chefs combine British seasonal produce with Mediterranean flavours. The menu spans bites, salads, small plates, pasta, risotto, larger dishes, sides and desserts. The staff felt more like old friends than waiters – they made recommendations alongside jokes and explained the origin story behind the dishes.
We started with the House Flatbread, which was dangerously moreish. Cheese and bread are a match made in culinary heaven, and here the pillowy flatbread and melting Montgomery cheese offered an elevated take on pizza. The Graffiti Aubergine paired babaganoush with salsa verde and was presented in small squares with a satisfyingly smoky finish. The Tataki Seabass would not have looked out of place in a Japanese restaurant, as it combined roasted garlic ponzu with fresh spring onions.
The Beef Ragu Pappardelle managed to be both comforting and classy. The pasta was perfectly al dente, the beef deeply rich, and the result is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. “We had a guest order this for dinner, then ask for another portion to take away,” our waiter laughed. If you’re after more meat, order the Picanha, which had a soft, succulent texture.
Vegetarians are not an afterthought at Mour. The Flamed Cauliflower arrived beautifully charred, served with coriander and toasted almonds. My dining companion, who grew up on a farm, complained about how London restaurants get carrots woefully wrong, but these were the exception. “These are solid carrots,” he smiled, finishing the plate.
The desserts balanced classics and creativity. The Almost Classic Tiramisu was lighter than most, meaning we avoided that full feeling you can often get with the dessert. If you’re a Ferrero Rocher fan, the Dark Chocolate Namelaka was a decadent, dulce de leche-inspired delight.
It’s worth visiting Mour just for the drinks. The cocktail list ranges from Spritzes to Spicy Margaritas. The restaurant specialises in Martinis, serving versions that would make James Bond proud. We began with the Vesper Martini, which was clean, crisp and finished with citrus notes. The Mour Martini added an orange twist, making it an ideal summer sip. If you’re adventurous, order the Blind Faith. Choose the spirit and leave the rest to the bartenders. While we would have loved a little more conversation about our flavour preferences, the result was a tequila-based Martini with subtle strawberry notes that we’d happily order again.
Mour is a sultry spot that’s made for date night. Start with a drink in the courtyard, and if the evening is going well, head into the dining room for dinner. If it’s going even better, finish with a Martini at the bar and – who knows – you may be the one ordering the Beef Ragu Pappardelle to take away. The restaurant’s tagline states: “More flavour, more time at the table, more wine poured, more conversations that linger.” After the leisurely lunch we enjoyed, it more than lived up to that promise. Excuse us, there’s one more Mour Martini with our name on it.
Where: Mour, 13 Seymour Street, London, W1H 5BT
When: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 4pm and 6pm to 12am
Contact: www.mour.uk