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.
Honestly, that whey tart at Fallow is sensational!
If you’re at the London Library, Maison Francois is good; they have £20 steak frites, or you can go for a dessert and glass of champagne for the same price, which seems suitably chic. Also the Fallow guys now have Fowl behind the restaurant, which is very much worth a look. You’re right, I can’t think of a lunch-worthy pub - I’ll investigate!
Thanks for your ideas. 🌞But my literary friends are all essentially skint so even a pre-fixé would be too pricey. And steak? Half my younger friends are vegan or veggie. I eat chicken and fish these days (cos I’m 70 and need to up my protein dose) but I draw the line at red meat - haven’t eaten it since I left home at 18! And I’m sure that’s one of the reasons I’m still standing.
The whey tart sounds more my style! Will have to try it.
We are talking St James district - so I shouldn’t grumble. In the summer we have picnics in the square, I always buy bread and cheese from Paxton & Whitfield in St James Street and fruit from Fortnum’s (surprisingly reasonable costs for fruit and veg)
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.
Honestly, that whey tart at Fallow is sensational!
If you’re at the London Library, Maison Francois is good; they have £20 steak frites, or you can go for a dessert and glass of champagne for the same price, which seems suitably chic. Also the Fallow guys now have Fowl behind the restaurant, which is very much worth a look. You’re right, I can’t think of a lunch-worthy pub - I’ll investigate!
Thanks for your ideas. 🌞But my literary friends are all essentially skint so even a pre-fixé would be too pricey. And steak? Half my younger friends are vegan or veggie. I eat chicken and fish these days (cos I’m 70 and need to up my protein dose) but I draw the line at red meat - haven’t eaten it since I left home at 18! And I’m sure that’s one of the reasons I’m still standing.
The whey tart sounds more my style! Will have to try it.
We are talking St James district - so I shouldn’t grumble. In the summer we have picnics in the square, I always buy bread and cheese from Paxton & Whitfield in St James Street and fruit from Fortnum’s (surprisingly reasonable costs for fruit and veg)
I have still to visit Fallow, which makes me wonder what on earth I've been doing with my time
You should go - they are lovely, and seriously creative chefs!