Breakfast / ££££ / 8.5/10

After a weekend away we had a final morning in London before timing the return journey with the babies afternoon nap. We decided to go for breakfast as nothing opens till 10 (which feels like lunchtime given most days start before 6am). We’ve been to The Wolseley before for breakfast and it was a real treat so I lobbied hard for a return trip. The Northerner agreed and we headed there without a reservation. When you walk in your senses are wowed by the massive proportions of the dining room, the chandeliers, the buzz of people reading papers, having breakfast meetings and generally going about their morning. The dining room is beautiful, a 10/10.

They offered us the only available table near the door and we were in awe of our luck. We got a walk in table and the baby was asleep, very rarely do these stars allign so it is to be celebrated. We ordered mimosas (not on the menu but they were happy to provide) and some coffees. The menu is full of good options; I would happily have anything on it, but we settled on sharing a sweet (French toast) and savoury (omelette) dish. With toast of course.

The food and breakfast tackle (water/salt/white pepper/black pepper/coffee jug/toast rack/butter/syrup) filled the table but the staff are so used to this they perform a slight of hand in front of you and it all fits. They’d cleared away unused items at the same time. The service is next level, London nearly always delivers efficiency (they know people are in a rush) but at The Wolseley it is almost invisible which takes a lot more skill. I went savoury first and the smooth outer shell of the omelette set off alarm bells. It looked too perfect, like fake food. I needn’t have worried as inside the rich gruyere pooled out of the omelette after the first mouthful and the eggs were ‘souffle’ light. Perfectly seasoned, I tried to draw a line halfway through to make sure I did share and not inadvertantly eat the whole thing. The Northerner had a few mouthfuls of the French Toast and then moved onto normal toast so we swapped over. After the first taste I knew why, the french toast was under done and the inside of the brioche still had a wet metallic taste of raw egg. The bacon and syrup were great but the dish as a whole fell short.

When the bill came I noticed they used the term ‘Bucks Fizz’ and my heart soared. I am not sure when Mimosa replaced Bucks Fizz but there’s a small part of me that will always miss how the drink (and name) signalled something was special and to be celebrated. I am disappointed the french toast was off but if I get the chance I would jump to go back to the Wolseley, it feels ‘special’ and sometimes life needs more of that.

FAMILY – There were children there for breakfast and the standard menu caters for them well (at breakfast anyway). I imagine the staff would accomodate just about any request in regard to children and fussy eaters though.