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Wendy Shillam's avatar

I think I’d go straight for the deserts at Fallow!

Picadilly is a difficult area for food. I often work at the London Library in St James Square and my fellow literary scribblers (none too wealthy) are always bemoaning the lack of a good pub round there for our post meeting chatter. They are generally gloomy, smelly and loud!

If I’m going for a special meal I love 45 Jermyn St. - the old Fortnum and Mason restaurant - spruced a few years ago into a pretty classic restaurant with red leather banquettes, art deco lighting and (I think) the original ceiling and wood panelled revolving door. The food is delicious, and the staff are attentive and un-stuffy. But it’s far too pricey for a glass of vino with the crew!

For celebrity spotting Queen Camilla has been known to frequent 42 and Bill Nighy is reputed to breakfast regularly on those £7.00 coffees at Maison Assouline. I went in once, but did not dare order anything! I felt too scared to spill my coffee on the books.

Another little known fact: At the old Fortnum’s restaurant Welsh Rarebit or mushrooms on toast were much loved instead of desert or the cheese course. It’s a very old fashioned tradition - but I notice the Welsh Rarebit still features on the menu at 45.

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Mark Diacono's avatar

I have still to visit Fallow, which makes me wonder what on earth I've been doing with my time

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