Summary
The Wolseley: A Dining Experience in London
The Wolseley is a remarkable cafe-restaurant located in London’s Piccadilly. It’s known for its grand interior and exceptional Eggs Benedict, making it a must-visit. The establishment boasts a beautiful atmosphere next to the renowned Ritz. Families with young children are always welcomed, and the courteous service enhances the dining experience.
Dining alone is perfectly acceptable, as many solo diners enjoy breakfast here. It’s worth noting that guests are not rushed; during my visit, I appreciated the leisure of spending 1.5 hours enjoying my meal while filling out the complimentary postcards available.
You can find postcards of The Wolseley’s stunning interior just outside the restrooms downstairs. Take a moment to write them at your table and hand them in at reception, where they will handle the postage! However, be aware that The Wolseley is not inexpensive, and it’s advisable to reserve a table in advance.
History of The Wolseley
Constructed in 1921, this building originally served as a car showroom for Wolseley Motors. Unfortunately, the company struggled financially, leading to its bankruptcy. Subsequently, the building was transformed into a bank for several years, with the smaller dining area at the front serving as the Bank Manager’s Office.
Due to the building’s ‘listed’ status (indicating it must be preserved), the bank faced challenges when attempting upgrades, resulting in its sale. In 1999, it became a Chinese restaurant. Following another sale in 2003, the building underwent careful restoration to preserve its exquisite marble floors and black Japanese lacquer work. Ultimately, The Wolseley restaurant opened its doors in November 2003.
Basic Information
- Address: The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB
- Website: www.thewolseley.com
- No Photography: Photography is not permitted inside The Wolseley, encouraging guests to fully appreciate the stunning interior.
- The Interior: Experience the high ceilings and striking décor featuring rich black lacquered wood and natural marble. The chandeliers are elegantly designed without excessive ornamentation.
- Dress Code: A relaxed smart-casual dress code is enforced, though dressing up for dinner is recommended to match the luxurious environment.
Breakfast Review
The Wolseley offers a delightful setting for a leisurely weekend breakfast. While it is frequently chosen for business meetings during the week, my experience revealed that a reservation can be made just a few days in advance. It was communicated to me that we could enjoy the table for 1.5 hours, providing ample time for our breakfast.
The Breakfast Menu features an array of pastries and traditional English selections, such as a bacon and fried egg roll, kippers, and the classic full English breakfast. The Eggs Benedict is particularly noteworthy for its delectable flavor.
The All Day Menu, available from 11:30 a.m. until midnight, includes highlights like oysters, shellfish, caviar, and Plats du Jour, including Coq au Vin and Rabbit Casserole. It’s important to note that the vegetarian options are somewhat limited.
This venue is also perfect for an afternoon indulgence, as the dessert and cake selections are simply tempting. The set Cream Tea or Afternoon Tea requires advance reservations. However, if you’re simply looking for coffee, it is often possible to find a table in the late afternoon without prior booking.
The coffee selection is commendable, but don’t miss out on trying a traditional tea while in England. The silver teapot, milk jug, and tea strainer add a touch of elegance, and it’s understandable why they offer replicas of their silverware for sale. Make sure to use the tea strainer properly for loose leaf tea.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we enjoyed two pots of tea, Eggs Benedict, and a service charge of 12.5%, totaling under £15 (approximately $30). Although The Wolseley is not the cheapest breakfast option, that isn’t the primary reason for visiting. The experience focuses more on enjoying the grand atmosphere, soaking in the exquisite surroundings, and receiving attentive service from the staff for a couple of delightful hours.
