The Wolseley, London, UK

If it is “‘breakfast at The Tiffany’s ” for New York, it is absolutely “‘breakfast at Wolseley”‘ for  London. Serving eveyday not only breakfast, but also all-day snacks, coffees, afternoon teas, sandwiches, platters of crustacea, ice-cream coupes, patisserie and cakes, and a full à la carte, with a daily changing plat du jour in a very European Grand Café tradition. Favourites include mittel-European classics such as Wiener Holstein and Kaiserschmarren or very French brasserie dishes such as Escargots à la Bourguignonne and Coq au Vin to British staples such as Deep-fried Whitebait, Grilled Dover Sole and Lancashire Hot Pot. The short wine list is derived entirely from Europe.

The Wolseley is located on one of London’s most famous boulevards, Piccadilly, adjacent to The Ritz in an 1921 designed Wolseley Motors Limited building which was used as  a prestigious car showroom. The Wolseley cars were displayed on the marble floor. Unfortunately, the cars did not sell well enough and by 1926 the Company was bankrupt. Barclays Bank acquired the building and the branch opened for the first time in April 1927. William Curtis Green, the architect  was recalled to install managers’ offices (now the bar and tea salon) and a banking counter. He also designed specialised furniture including a post box and stamp machine, which is on display today. Barclays remained until 1999. 160 Piccadilly is now a Grade II Listed Building. Chris Corbin and Jeremy King secured the site in July 2003 and its restoration and renovation was overseen by David Collins Architects. The Wolseley opened in November 2003. For more info visit smart-ak .