Open Mon–Thu 5pm–midnight; Fri 5pm–1am; Sat 2pm–1am; Sun 5pm–11:30pm
The style:
Located near and between several other popular restaurants in Notting Hill, Montgomery Place is a cosy local bar. Based on the speakeasy and Rat Pack era, its interior transports you back in time with dimly lit snug seating. The walls are adorned with old photos of Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. The interior is decorated in true ’50s style, reminiscent of a covert jazz dive during the prohibition era. The elongated bar is the main centrepiece, while the rear has a selection of private enclaves to join friends for an evening of drinks, food, music and conversation. On occasion Monty’s feels more like a club, with djs and live percussionists banging on bongos; beats and bass pumping through the venue.
The crowd:
Montgomery place is the hangout for artistic, creative locals with a taste for specialist cocktails. It’s less obvious from the street and has fewer bankers than E&O, although still has its fair share, and on a weeknight is often filled with couples. With a blend of international patrons, several Notting Hill Americans are drawn to its New York and old Hollywood feel.
The food:
Far from standard bar food, the menu is inspired by comfort food and the owner’s trips to New York. The owner and chefs have collaborated to cultivate a blend of American favourites such as the amazingly tender off-the-bone braised short ribs (£7.50) and Montgomery Dog (£6.50) – a remixed Big Apple style hot dog. Monty’s owner George upped the ante even further by trialling and tasting numerous dishes, then editing the menu down and down before any plate makes the final cut. The menu boasts even more delicious treats such as popcorn prawns (£8.80), braised, sizzled and glazed duck breast (£8.60) coconut squid (£6.80), NYC Burgers (£7.50) and a selection of vegetable spears (£5.00), blackened asparagus (£5.00) and zucchini fritte (£5.50).
The drinks:
Created by expert mixologists, Montgomery Place takes pride in serving up some pretty impressive liquor concoctions. Gin, vermouth, whiskey, rum and tequila are the base for many of their signature cocktails. With a choice of over 50 different cocktails and three ‘sharing’ cocktails, drinks are well worth the wait, as staff take pride in mixing a perfectly blended, balanced drink. A bottle of Ruinart starts at as little as £50, or there’s my personal favourite, the Kangaroo (£10.25), a vodka martini requested straight up with olives.
