Like most parts of London, Fitzrovia has undergone a lot of changes recently and even though it used to be a frequent haunt of ours about 15-20 years ago, some parts have changed beyond all recognition. For nearly 250 years Mortimer Street was dominated by Middlesex hospital until it was closed and the site redeveloped.
One of the businesses that opened on the former site is Percy & Founders, a spacious all day café, restaurant and bar full of interesting art. A unique feature is that you can view the restored Middlesex Hospital chapel, for many years visible as an island in a huge building site, from one of the dining rooms.
We were invited to the opening of one of their new venues: Percy’s Den in the basement of the restaurant.
Percy’s Den has its own full bar and the friendly and attentive staff provided flutes of NV Billecart-Salmon Champagne all night long along with two of their cocktails: Purple Reign (prosecco, Sipsmith sloe gin, apple & blackberries) and La Vie en Rose (Grey Goose ‘le citron’, elderflower, apple & raspberries), both equally delicious.
We were also treated to a selection of beautifully presented and very tasty canapés.
This private dining room seats 24 people or, if you hire it for a more informal event, accommodates 35 people standing. Top technology like high speed wifi, Apple TV and Bose surround sound make it also ideal for corporate meetings etc.
On a final note: drink prices are very reasonable for London. Cocktails are all under £10, a pint of beer or cider £4.80 and glasses of wine start at £3.50.
London-Olios 