In Mayfair’s labyrinthine streets, there exists a sanctuary of civility and charm: Bellamy’s. Situated discreetly on Bruton Place, this brasserie is a love letter to the ungimmicky pleasures of French and Belgian classics, where good taste reigns and culinary distractions are mercifully absent. It’s the kind of place where time slows, conversation flows, and the clink of glasses signals that all is well with the world.

Since opening its doors in 2004, Bellamy’s has been guided by the steady hand of Gavin Rankin, a proprietor who knows precisely what a restaurant should be. Rankin steers the ship with a calm assurance, creating an environment where the food and hospitality shine without ostentation. It’s this ethos that has made Bellamy’s a home for its many regulars—and even a royal or two. Yes, Queen Elizabeth II herself dined here, and if it’s good enough for Her Majesty, it’s certainly good enough for the rest of us.

Step inside, and you’re enveloped by an interior so authentic you could swear you’d stumbled onto the Right Bank. Designed by Tim Flynn, the space was the result of extensive research in Paris and Brussels, yielding a brasserie aesthetic that’s as faithful as it is stylish. From the vintage René Gruau prints and perfectly angled mirrors, every detail works to create an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. The lighting, often overlooked but essential in restaurants, is perfect—soft enough to flatter, bright enough to illuminate.

The menu is an unapologetic ode to French classics, executed with precision by Chef Stéphane Pacoud. This isn’t the place for deconstructed, foamed, or tweezed dishes. Instead, expect the kind of cooking that has stood the test of time: Iced Lobster Soufflé, Smoked Eel Mousse, and Artichoke Heart Salad, each dish as unfussy as it is delicious. The Oyster Bar, a standout feature, offers impeccably fresh bivalves shucked to order.

Main courses continue this theme of understated brilliance. A dish of Dover Sole fillets arrives unadorned except for a lick of olive oil, the fish’s delicate flavour left to shine. Sliced Entrecôte of Beef, served with a side of frites, feels like a warm hug for the soul. Desserts are similarly unpretentious and utterly satisfying: think Marina’s Chocolate Cake or a classic Île Flottante. It’s comfort food but elevated to an art form.

And then there’s the wine list—exclusively French, showcasing bottles from Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône. Remarkably, for a Mayfair establishment, it’s affordable. This is not a list designed to intimidate but to invite exploration, whether you’re after a crisp Sancerre or a heady Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Rest assured though that you can enjoy the best of British mineral water - Hildon water. The cocktail bar, tucked within the restaurant, is another jewel in Bellamy’s crown. It’s an intimate space where classics are crafted with care, the sort of place where a Dry Martini is poured, not shaken, and arrives chilled to perfection.

Bellamy’s service run by Manager Luigi Burgio, is a masterclass in discretion and efficiency, striking that elusive balance between attentiveness and leaving you to your own devices. Plates appear and disappear with clockwork precision; glasses are refilled before you realize they’re empty. It’s the kind of service that feels like an endangered species these days, flawless in its execution yet utterly unshowy.

All of this—the restrained authentic interior, the timeless beautifully executed menu, the unwavering service—is why Bellamy’s inspires such loyalty. Regulars return week after week, not because they’re chasing the next trend but because they know what they’ll find here: excellence, delivered without fuss.

This is a restaurant that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel because it doesn’t need to. It knows what it is and leans into it with conviction. It’s classic. It’s comfortable. And it’s undeniably Bellamy’s.