The Wolseley Menu: Full Guide to Dishes, Timings & Prices
When talking about British cuisine and grand dining, few places rival the timeless elegance of The Wolseley. This iconic London café has become a landmark destination, loved by locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re planning your first visit or are simply curious about the famous dishes, this guide to the wolseley menu walks you through every meal they offer — from breakfast to dinner, and beyond.
About The Wolseley: History, Ownership, and Legacy
The Wolseley opened in 2003 at 160 Piccadilly, a building once designed in 1921 for Wolseley Motors. Its high ceilings, marble pillars, and golden chandeliers reflect a rich European café culture. The restaurant was founded by legendary restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, who brought old-world sophistication to central London dining.
In 2022, ownership transferred to Minor Hotels, which now manages The Wolseley Hospitality Group. Despite the change, the restaurant retains its original charm, iconic menu, and classic hospitality that made it so loved.
Where Can You Find The Wolseley?
The flagship restaurant is located at 160 Piccadilly in Mayfair, right beside The Ritz Hotel. This location remains the heart of The Wolseley experience.
A second venue, The Wolseley City, sits near London Bridge. It serves a similar menu with a modern touch and focuses on business and weekend brunch crowds. Both restaurants maintain the grand café essence that The Wolseley is famous for.
What People Say: Real Reviews
The Wolseley receives consistent praise for its food, service, and ambience. Guests often describe it as “timeless,” “elegant,” and “a true London institution.” The breakfast options are a particular highlight, with many reviewers claiming it to be “the best breakfast in London.”
Others rave about the pastries, schnitzel, and seafood platters. While some mention the occasional delay in service during peak hours, the overall reviews are overwhelmingly positive. It’s the type of place people keep coming back to, especially for celebrations and Afternoon Tea.
The Wolseley Menu Overview
Now let’s explore the wolseley menu in detail. It covers a wide range of meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea, and an all-day café menu. The restaurant also serves a delightful selection of desserts and patisserie.
In the middle of this delicious journey, it’s worth noting how British menus continue to gain attention — just like the rising popularity of Greggs Chicken Burger Menu: Flavors, Prices & Reviews. Different tastes, same love for classic food.
Breakfast Menu
Breakfast at The Wolseley is iconic. Whether you crave something hearty or light, their offerings are both classic and comforting.
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Full English Breakfast | Eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, beans, toast |
| Eggs Benedict | Poached eggs on muffin with hollandaise and ham |
| Smoked Haddock Kedgeree | Curried rice with flaked fish and soft-boiled egg |
| Viennoiserie Selection | Fresh croissants, pain au chocolat, Danish pastries |
| Porridge & Berries | Creamy oats with fresh fruits or honey |
The wolseley menu has built its reputation largely on its breakfast. Morning service is busy, yet calming and full of energy.
Lunch and Dinner Menu
Lunch and dinner follow a more formal tone but remain true to the café feel. The dishes mix British classics and European staples.
| Course | Sample Dishes |
|---|---|
| Starters | Steak tartare, quail eggs, smoked salmon croustade |
| Soups & Salads | Minted pea soup, chopped chicken salad, superfood bowl |
| Fish | Grilled salmon, lobster, fish of the day |
| Meat | Wiener schnitzel, coq au vin, ribeye steak, roast chicken |
| Sharing Plates | Turbot Grenobloise, roast fillet for two |
Each dish is designed with detail and simplicity. The plates celebrate fine ingredients, allowing flavors to shine naturally.
Desserts, Cakes, and Ice Cream
No visit is complete without something sweet. The dessert section of the wolseley menu is filled with charm and tradition.
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Cakes & Pastries | Mille-feuille, Battenberg cake, Sachertorte, Black Forest gâteau |
| Ice Cream Coupes | Banana split, Amalfi lemon sorbet, Coupe Lucian |
| Cheese & Savories | Welsh rarebit, baked Camembert, cheese platter |
Desserts here don’t just finish the meal — they become part of the experience. Each spoonful feels like a celebration.
Afternoon Tea Experience
The Wolseley’s Afternoon Tea is a beloved ritual. Served daily, it includes freshly made scones, finger sandwiches, cakes, and a pot of tea.
| Afternoon Tea Type | Price (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Cream Tea | £19.50 |
| Classic Afternoon Tea | £46.50 |
| Champagne Afternoon Tea | £59.50 |
The ambiance during tea service is unmatched. The waitstaff glide between tables with polished trays, and you feel as though time slows down.
Opening and Closing Times
The Wolseley Piccadilly location operates at the following hours:
- Breakfast:
- Monday to Friday: 7:00 am to 11:30 am
- Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am to 11:30 am
- Lunch:
- Daily from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm
- Afternoon Tea:
- Monday to Friday: 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
- Weekends: 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm
- Dinner:
- Monday to Saturday: 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm (last orders)
- Sunday: until 10:00 pm
These hours ensure every meal is covered. Whether you’re in early for breakfast or out late for dinner, you’ll be well served.
Delivery and Reservation Info
Currently, The Wolseley does not offer delivery or takeaway services. Dining in is the preferred experience. The environment, decor, and service all play a part in enjoying the wolseley menu the way it was meant to be.
Reservations are highly recommended. While walk-ins are accepted when available, table bookings fill quickly, especially during breakfast and Afternoon Tea. Reservations can be made via phone or their official system.
Seasonal & Special Dishes
Throughout the year, the wolseley menu features seasonal items. For example, during spring you might find asparagus and trout. In autumn, rich game dishes like pheasant or venison often appear. Christmas brings festive pies and puddings, while summer introduces lighter salads and chilled desserts.
Unlike chain restaurants, the chefs at The Wolseley adjust the offerings slightly to reflect what’s in season, without straying far from their core classics. This keeps the menu fresh, interesting, and always aligned with the time of year — much like Costa Christmas Menu 2024: Guide to Festive Drinks & Food creates its own annual buzz.
Kids’ Friendly Dining
While the setting is grand, it’s not unfriendly to kids. The restaurant offers smaller portions of certain dishes, including scrambled eggs, pasta, or chicken with mashed potatoes.
They also have kid-friendly desserts like ice cream, pancakes, and scones. Many families visit for Sunday brunch, and it’s not uncommon to see children enjoying hot chocolate while parents sip tea and enjoy the wolseley menu offerings.
Why The Wolseley Menu Matters
Menus aren’t just lists of dishes — they reflect the identity of a restaurant. The wolseley menu is a living symbol of British-European cuisine, tradition, hospitality, and art. It’s no surprise that so many people — from tourists to locals, writers to royals — continue to choose it.
Whether you go for breakfast, lunch, or the full Afternoon Tea, you’ll leave feeling well-fed, relaxed, and just a little more connected to London’s rich food culture.
Conclusion
The Wolseley menu is not just a collection of dishes — it’s a curated experience that blends British tradition with European flair. From its grand interior to its perfectly brewed coffee, every detail reflects sophistication and warmth. Whether you’re starting your day with a full English breakfast, enjoying a light lunch, or settling in for an indulgent dinner, The Wolseley delivers consistency, quality, and charm.
Its versatility, timeless style, and menu variety make it a top choice in London’s competitive dining scene. The menu evolves with the seasons but always honors the classics that guests have loved for years. With attentive service, beautiful presentation, and a historic setting, the wolseley menu remains a must-try for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the city.
