This former showroom for a failed car company shines in its modern day guise as a top London eating establishment.
You might forgive the Wolseley if, sat beside the bright star of the London Ritz Hotel, it had fallen into obscurity like the car company whose name it bears. Not at all, the restaurant is full of life and there is a hustle and bustle about it that raises your hormone levels a notch.
It is a fabulous place for people watching and the constant buzz and comings and goings provide entertainment in themselves. You never quite know who you’ll be rubbing shoulders with. On our last visit tables played host to the likes of Sir Michael Grade and singer Marc Almond.
The continual stream of new clientele through the door also give you a chance to watch front of house staff strut their stuff and the allure a great Maitre d’ exudes working the guests permeates through the room adding to the whole experience of visiting. Anyone who is interest in the facets of customer service should watch how well guests are greeted and how so many visitors seem to be old friends returning to a welcome family environment.
The dinner menu has a classic European feel to it with dishes ranging from Scallops with Cauliflower Purée, Raisin & Pine Nut Dressing, through Wiener Schnitzel, Plateau de Fruits de Mer, Roast Landais Chicken with Morels and Spring Leeks to Chocolate and Grand Marnier Sorbet.
You can enjoy the pleasures of The Wolseley at almost any time of day with Breakfast setting your day up, through Lunch, Afternoon Tea and into a bustling evening Dinner.
If you are looking for a quiet romantic candlelit environment then this probably isn’t the best place, it’s loud and fun and very enjoyable. You can turn up on the spur of the moment to eat but from past experience we would recommend you book ahead to ensure a better seat.
The beauty of restaurants like this is that if you don’t get it all right on the first visit, when you go back and you probably will, you’ll enjoy it even more.
To find out more about the history of the Wolseley and to book a table visit their excellent website: The Wolseley.com.
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