Café 1922

Cafe 1922 is one of a kind. Part of The Sloane Club, founded in 1922 by Princess Helena to provide accommodation and community for returning First World War servicewomen, the cafe is the first public space in the members' club’s history. Opening in 2026, with handsome interiors by Russell Sage Studio, it’s made for long languorous breakfasts, coffee dates and lunches.

Outside, deep blue awnings and cheerful orange seating give the red-brick street a shot of colour. Inside, the design is even more arresting. Cabaret lamps cast pools of light over teal brush-stroked walls, while an undulating dark wood sideboard hugs one side. Underfoot, retro geometric tiles land somewhere between 1970s graphic design and mid-century European cafe culture.

Food follows much the same line: familiar cafe fare, with clever, skilful upgrades. A moussey chocolate and hazelnut scroll is rich without becoming cloying, while an almond croissant is extravagantly buttery, generously filled without veering too sweet or dense. A strawberry and ricotta bun takes things in a more dainty direction: swirling laminated pastry wrapped around baked ricotta cheesecake, concealing a compote core.

It’s great for grab-and-go, but those looking to stay awhile should head to the savoury counter. A salmon avocado croissant bun is expert brunch fodder; well-judged, straightforward, letting the quality do the work. Elsewhere, fantastic focaccia sandwiches are stacked to the nines and wrapped in pretty paper. We spy options including a grilled courgette number with mozzarella and harissa, but the salami is a belter: finochiona, artichoke, Parmesan and peppery rocket piled between excellent fresh bread.

Coffee is an obvious accompaniment, but given the propensity to stay longer than planned, the European-leaning wine list is a welcome addition. Curated by Les Caves de Pyrene, the same team behind Brawn’s much-lauded list, a creamy Cremant – all soft bubbles and toastiness – feels a natural match.

Despite its centurion pedigree, Cafe 1922 comes in at genuine value. There’s a fitting symmetry here: when The Sloane Club opened, membership was just six shillings per year (roughly £22.13 today). While membership fees have evolved with the club, Cafe 1922 feels like a return to that spirit of accessibility. Sure, it’s London prices, but we’re not in swindler territory: aesthetically pleasing pastries, slick interiors, and a kitchen with a knack for classic combinations more than earn their sum.

Cafe 1922 is a stylish spot on Lower Sloane Street that channels the easy-going spirit of European cafe culture with a distinct, modern London twist. Open from breakfast through to early evening, it’s a place for coffee, pastries, brunch, lunch and a glass of wine, with a no-reservations-needed approach that makes it easy to drop in whenever you're passing. Just note that laptops aren't permitted for most of the day, so this is more of a switch-off-and-stay-awhile kind of place than a remote office.

The daytime menu is packed with appealing café fare, from beautifully made pastries and bakes to more substantial brunch and lunch options. Stand-outs include a moussey chocolate and hazelnut scroll, a generously filled almond croissant and a strawberry and ricotta bun, while savoury options include salmon and avocado croissant buns and excellent focaccia sandwiches. The latter are stacked generously into fresh bread, with fillings such as finocchiona salami, artichoke, Parmesan and peppery rocket, or grilled courgette with mozzarella and harissa. There are also lighter, healthier options for those after something a little less indulgent.

Coffee is the obvious order, but Café 1922 also has a carefully curated European-leaning wine list, with bottles selected by Les Caves de Pyrène, the same team behind Brawn's acclaimed wine offering. Wines are available alongside the daytime menu, making a glass of creamy Cremant or a crisp rosé a particularly tempting accompaniment to a leisurely lunch or late afternoon stop.

The interiors are another major draw. Designed by Russell Sage Studio, the space combines deep blue awnings and cheerful orange outdoor seating with teal, brush-stroked walls, warm cabaret lamps, retro geometric tiling and an undulating dark wood sideboard with seating for solo diners. The result is handsome without feeling overly polished: a characterful, comfortable setting.