The Wolseley

Far too mixed to be great

The Wolseley is rather like Pippa Middleton’s bottom – its come to epitomise London and be one of its biggest tourist attractions, but its also just a touch overrated and doesn’t deserve the degree of national interest it garners.

First things first and yes The Wolseley is notoriously hard to book – I managed to get a table for Friday lunch, but the earliest they could seat us was 2.15pm and even at that stage it was packed and continued to be so throughout. The tables are far, far too close together; never mind hearing everything from the people next to you, you could help yourself to their bread if you wanted and the overwhelming sensation is noise and buzz such that you have to lean forwards to hear what your friends are saying/shouting at you.

The room itself is attractive in a very old school way – it reminded me somewhat of reception at the Bank of England and feels like a trip straight back to the 1920s/1930s. Customers are a real mix – everything from the ladies who lunch, complete with Chanel bags and red soles, through hedge fund staff celebrating deals and taking the afternoon off, to tourists with fleeces and backpacks who had popped in for tea and seemed very excited about taking pictures of cakes using massive zoom lenses.

Service isn't really good enough for this sort of venue; the waiters seemed distracted and on at least a couple of occasions wandered off mid way through taking our order. At least things seem to arrive quickly and there aren’t any mistakes, so despite giving the impression they aren’t paying any attention clearly they are.

The food was a really curious mix of the rather lovely and the distinctly mediocre. I had tarragon roast chicken with mushrooms as a main course and it had the distinct air of having been reheated – everything was a bit shrivelled and dry but my friends fillet steak was rather nice. Sides of new potatoes (not boiled quite long enough), roast carrots (delicious) and broccoli with parmesan (average) were bang on trend in carrying forwards the mix of good and bad. Dessert was definitely a high point – I would happily have eaten just about everything on the menu and settled on lemon meringue ice cream which was absolutely delicious as was my friends black forest gateaux (even if it was like a small slice of 1979) – next time I go I’ll have 3 desserts!

Prices are steep – though it is Mayfair so perhaps to be expected. We got through £150 for 2 for lunch with 2 courses, water, wine and service – if it came in at £110-£120 I’d have felt a bit more warmly disposed to it.

Overall I found it disappointing – for similar money I’d rather go to Pollen Street Social as the food and atmosphere are far better, even if that is almost as hard to book.

I have been to the Wolseley a few times for lunch and afternoon tea and enjoyed every time! Good food, the atmosphere is lovely and especially of you just viewed a wonderful exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts or went shopping on Regent Street this is the perfect place to relax and chat with your friends or family about your day.. I just applied for membership on Gourmeo today and fingers crossed they have it on their list of partners! (I'm still on the waiting list..)

I came here for afternoon tea with a couple of University friends I hadn't seen in awhile. The room for tea was absolutely lovely, and the trays for cakes and other treats just added to making this a wonderful and memorable afternoon. The price was very standard for high-end cream teas inthe Westend, and the service was very attentive.

A day after the afternoon tea, I could not be stopped and came with my husband to have dinner. After spending a ridiculous amount of time deciding and feeling guilty by being tempted with the most expensive item. I ordered the Roast Lobster, Scallops and King Prawns with Oysters Rockefeller and my husband had the Venison with red currant and port sauce.

Oysters Rockefeller are my absolute favourite, and these were the top of the top. The venison was so lovely, and the sauce was nicely balaced against the meat.

We alas had no room for dessert nor a starter, and left smiling, full, and pleasantly happy with the price. Definitely going back.

Very disapointing experience. We arrived at 11:15pm, but had to wait for a while before the menu was brought. Quite surprising as at this time the restaurant was less busy. Then it took 45 minutes to be served. The Sirloin steak was cooked well done, although it was requested rare. We were warned that they could not serve French fries (issue in the kitchen) but it would be replaced by another side dish. It never came.
I asked for the bill and we left. Although they didn't charge my main course, I won't come back. t is a pity as the place is great, past experiences were good but I had already noticed their slow service

I had never been before but I had in fact made many reservations for other people. From the moment I arrived until the moment I left I thoroughly enjoyed the whole evening. The food was first class the eggs benedict was delicious and my partner had the halibut which melted in your mouth. The vegetables were amazing! The staff were excellent very polite and attentive they topped up our drinks regularly and nothing was too much trouble yet we didnt feel we were being watched either. I will definately go again and again!

The Wolesley is like a pair of old slippers- comfortable ,reliable and a favourite. The food is of a consistent quality whether it is breakfast, lunch, tea or dinner. It is definitely the best venue in London for breakfast that is for sure. Their kippers are first class. As for other meals their Schnitzel is simply the best. And I should know, my mother was Viennese. I also highly recommend their Steak Pie which is a special in the winter months. Their roast beef on Sunday exceptional- I know Michael Winner has said it is the best in London and he is probably right. Desserts and pastries are very tasty and their chocolate and raspberry slice is to die for. They are welcoming and the service is efficient. And talking of welcoming, unlike Gordon Ramsay whom I mentioned in a previous post, you will generally find Mr. Corbin or Mr. King there checking up that all is well. The location was my bank years ago- I definitely prefer it as it is now!

We were staying at the May Fair Hotel and were about to leave for airport in late afternoon and were looking for an early dinner. We were sent to two different restaurants that do not serve dinner at that hour (only tea time). We happened across this restaurant walking back to our hotel and were pleasantly surprised. We were able to order dinner and the food was good, the service quick after staff were told we needed to make a flight and we found the dining room to be most interesting.

The Wolseley is like my Tiffany's of the restaurant world- nothing bad can happen in there!

By far, my favourite restaurant in London because of the food and the ambiance, plus attentive service. The ambiance is really unrivalled in my mind- expansive, expensive and yet buzzy and welcoming. I love the feel of dinner there, fellow diners well dressed & jovial. I think that strikes me as a winning combination about the Wolseley, the sense of jovialness and yet refinement. So many restaurants of this caliber tend to be sedate, but not the Wolseley!

I've had dinner & drinks here. Drinks was a tiny, cramped little area, in contrast to the dinner. But the overall experience is wonderful. Food was wonderful and the service was very attentive, but discreet.

Many celebrities dotted the room on my visit, but no heads were turning, all in a day at the Wolseley!

This falls under the category “Best in London” & “Best upscale choice”.

Twice in a week and, after many visits, thought it is worth a brief review. Still feels like a place to be and the drama of the space never fails to impress. The kitchen is robust and turns out solid courses with a brisk correctness that is to be applauded. Never disappoints and always fun. Not much wrong and much to applaud.

I went with my some friend for breakfast, it was really lovely, breakfast was great and good value, with a lovely buzy atmosphere, service is a little slow but who's rushing on a saturday morning! Worth a visit