There are many many reasons why I love London, not least because there’s always something to do or see, but my most favourite thing about London is the abundance of great places to eat and drink , particularly if you have a special occasion that simply demands an extra special venue to celebrate.  So when there’s a friends special milestone birthday (don’t worry Pauline..I won’t say which milestone), how better to celebrate than with a indulgent lunch and with that we met at the classic and always fabulous The Wolseley.  An old car show room in the 1920s then later a bank, the grand ceiling, marble pillars, and luxurious decor makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to different era.

It was quite clear from the start that this was not going to be a quick lunch, we were here for the long haul so starters and dessert were a must with obligatory bubbles flowing throughout!

Apparently you can’t go to the Wolseley and NOT have the schnitzel, I didn’t but luckily two of my friends did!

This is arguably the biggest portion of creme brûlée that I have ever had the pleasure to devour. Yum!

So here we were almost 4 hours later and in the mood to carry on celebrating, so how do you top the elegance and decadence of the Wolseley.. Mr Fogg’s of course! I first discovered Mr Foggs just the week before for another celebration, my beautiful and clever friend had just finished her MBA and like today we needed somewhere special , unfortunately I had spent that evening kicking myself that I hadn’t taken a camera  (note to self : If I want to be taken seriously as a foodie DO NOT FORGET my camera..or at least charge my phone), this time I was armed and so were my friends there was no chance I was leaving without some photos!

It’s a delightful place on a very unremarkable street, so much so that I was getting some very odd looks from my friends as walked along Bruton Lane, and as you get closer you begin to realise is a very special place indeed. Firstly you’re greeted outside by the butler who rings the bell to notify the staff inside that more guests have arrived, and as you walk inside you feel like you’ve been transported back in time or indeed into the pages of the Jules Verne novel. The decor is spellbinding and almost how I would like my front room to look if I could travel more. The live music is wonderful and the cocktails are an explosion of flavours that make you forget that they actually have alcohol in them…a lot of alcohol ….Very dangerous indeed.

Reviews

The Wolseley :

Bee: The food is classic and did not disappoint on taste, just what you would expect from an institution such as The Wolseley, possibly a little pricey but definitely worth it for a special occasion.  The portions were a little over generous for me, it was very disappointing that I couldn’t finish my desert.

Overall Experience (4 / 5)

GeordieLass: Not a 5/5 , only because I ordered the wrong desert and there was no hand cream in the ladies!

Overall Experience (4 / 5)

RosieWebster : Brandade was 5/5. Lovely. I will give it a tick and VG. Schnitzel was 4/5, but I my not be the best judge of schnitzels. Vanilla Millefeuille was 3.5, the custard was not cold enough.  Creamed Spinach 4/5 . Wolfgang Puck as Cut does a better one , with a chopped poached egg in it so its difficult to top that one.

Overall Experience (4 / 5)

Mr Foggs :

Bee:  Best cocktails I’ve tasted in along time, and the entertainment and the relaxed atmosphere make it one of the best places I’ve been to this year .  Although I would’ve liked the live music to go on for just a little bit longer, but that might be because we got there a little late, and I think I’d like to go back and try their afternoon tea.

Overall Experience (4 / 5)

GeordieLass: The style and the cocktails make Mr Foggs a magical place.

Overall Experience (5 / 5)