The Wolseley is owned and run by the same people behind the ever-popular and fashionable Caprice, and as one would expect is another busy and successful venture. The cuisine is of a high standard, the wine list extensive and the service efficient.
The Wolseley provides a whole-day dining offering; breakfast from 7am during the week, lunch from midday and afternoon tea from 3pm in the week running into the dinner service which begins at 5.30pm (weekend times vary slightly). You can come here at any time and expect to be well fed, although bear in mind that it is very popular so you'd be well advised to book in advance irrespective of the time of day.
The Wolseley
6 / 10 from 3 reviews
160 Piccadilly
Mayfair
London
W1J 9EB
020 7499 6996
European
Mayfair
Website
http://www.thewolseley.com/
Monday - Friday: 07.00 - Midnight
Saturday: 08.00 - Midnight
Sunday: 08.00 - 23.00
Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea and Dinner served depending on the time of day.
Oh, hey, just having strudel and living life like I'm in a grand Viennese coffee house circa 1895... Yes, the Wolseley is very nice indeed.
The Wolseley Picture Gallery
All In London Review
The famous afternoon tea is excellent value!
We visited for the popular Wolseley Champagne Afternoon Tea, which should be booked up in advance. At £33.50, the selection of teas, pastries, finger sandwiches and scones with a glass of champagne is one of the best value afternoon teas in London. The tea and food is topped up as and when you need it (although unfortunately the Pommery Brut Royal doesn’t get the same treatment) and the quality of the food is high. Cucumber and mint and chicken and tarragon stand out in among the dainty, crust-less sandwiches and there was a fluffy pistachio slice in with the cakes that will take a while to forget.
The restaurant is also famous for its breakfasts – where you’ll find a well-dressed crowd chewing over the Financial Times as they chew on their salmon and scrambled eggs. Dinner is traditional European, which means schnitzels, chopped liver, steak, sea bass and caviar; nothing spectacularly innovative but classy nonetheless. A great place to take your family if you’re ever out to impress.
Reviewed by T.A.O
Published on Oct 10, 2014
The food used good quality, fresh ingredients and was expertly cooked.
So I was intrigued when a friend arranged to meet me at The Wolseley which is owned by the same people. It’s just across the street from The Ritz and right on Piccadilly so I am surprised that I had never noticed it before.
Anyway, the inside is huge – it’s like one of those converted bank halls. Although it was originally a rather posh car showroom – hence the name - before Barclays took up residence until 2003. Despite the high ceilings it feels more intimate and relaxed than some of the similar places in the City. Maybe because there are tables on areas that are at different levels – which makes for a visual feast.
My friend explained to me that often celebrities staying at The Ritz popped into The Wolseley as it was discrete with impeccable service and sublime food.
Whilst the food is labelled as European, it felt rather British to me. English in fact. And I like that. As a Londoner who works in the West End and the City I felt right at home – even for an informal catch up dinner with a friend. I might even consider taking a date.
As I looked around the room I didn’t spot any celebs but was surprised at the eclectic mix of guests – business suits, couples, small groups of friends, a couple of tourists. But they were all apparently enjoying the good food and warm ambience of the place.
The starter selection was astonishing – from simple fare such as avocado vinaigrette (£7.75) and eggs Benedict (£6.75) through to steak tartare (£10.50), foie gras parfait (£12.75) and escargots a la Borguignonne (£11). There are plats du jour at £18 – including coq au vin, roast pork, osso bucco, fish stew and shepherd’s pie. I was tempted by the grilled calf’s liver - £19.50 and the duck confit £17.50 whilst my companion looked at the steak frites (rib eye £23.50 and sirloin £28). Good to see kedgeree (£11.75) on the menu but I went with a whole roasted sea bass (£23) with a fennel and herb dressing. The food used good quality, fresh ingredients and was expertly cooked. I regret that I was so wrapped up in the food and conversation that I forgot to take a note of the wine – all I remember was that it was excellent.
Another nice thing is that you don’t have to come for lunch or dinner – they serve breakfast (what a great place for an early morning business meeting) and sandwiches too. So despite the grand building, extravagant interior design and super-professional but genuinely friendly staff – it isn’t inaccessible.
Reviewed by KimT
Published on Aug 10, 2011
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The Wolseley needs very little introduction, but it’s worth reiterating that the standard of service matches the luxurious décor of the venue, famously styled as an early 20th century grand cafe. These two aspects, along with now legendary breakfasts and pastries, have made it a hit with celebrities, tourists and Londoners alike.
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User Reviews
from London
May 23, 2015
It did feel that they were just extremely busy, but really they could have done much better. For the price you should all go next door Ritz and really have great service and a great meal.
May 23, 2012
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