Wolseley
Since opening to instant critical acclaim in 2003, this former highbrow automobile showroom—a regular haunt for local Mayfair designers, Soho artists, and media darlings—hasn’t lost an ounce of popularity. (Rumor has it Paul Smith breakfasts here daily.) Founded by Jeremy King and Christopher Corbin, the masterminds behind star eateries Le Caprice and The Ivy, this splurge-worthy café harks back to grand, old-world Vienna. High ceilings, impressive arches, a brass-lined bar, reading lamps, a treat-filled pastry counter (cream cakes, scones, croissants), starched white tablecloths, and attentive staffers make this teahouse popular with both famous (Ralph Fiennes, for one) and noncelebrity diners. Try a perfectly cooked steak served with fries stuffed in a paper-wrapped parcel, or omelettes, sausages, goulash, oysters, and caviar—all of which conspire to make customers feel like a Hapsburg on holiday. Reserve at least one week in advance for dinner (tip: half the tables are left for walk-ins), or try the more accessible lunch and afternoon tea (with champagne, sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, and jams).
Insider Tip: The full and traditional English breakfast (choice of eggs served with bacon, sausage, baked beans, black pudding, tomatoes, and mushrooms) is easier on the purse than dinner.
As Featured In...
From Travel + Leisure, May 2006
“Dinner bookings at the Wolseley, Chris Corbin and Jeremy King's opulent evocation of Continental cafés, are still as coveted as they were when the place opened almost three years ago....” MORE>>
From Food & Wine, Apr 2004
“Architecturally, it's very square, and hard. It was decorated by David Collins with lots of Chinese panels lacquered black and brown. But it's not dark. I've been there for breakfast—waiters carrying endless trays of brioche and pastries and delicious-looking things kept walking by....” MORE>>
From Travel + Leisure, Mar 2004
“Jeremy King and Chris Corbin, specialists in exalted watering holes (the Caprice, the Ivy), have opened Wolseley in a former car showroom spruced up with gilt Viennese-café flourishes. During the morning rush, Mayfair doyennes order breakfast kippers, Welsh rarebit, and bubble and squeak; at night, the menu embraces pub favorites from tout Europe...” MORE>>
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