Set within the grand bones of a Grade II-listed Georgian townhouse, Café at The Lavery is a stylish all-day dining spot in South Kensington. Occupying the ground floor of The Lavery, this light-filled space is a lesson in modern design that respects its history: think soaring ceilings, original oak floorboards and sash windows, balanced with a contemporary zinc counter by Day Trip Studios, Kvadrat x Raf Simons fabrics, and mahogany bentwood chairs. The result is a café that feels both characterful and fresh.
The menu follows a relaxed Mediterranean rhythm. Breakfasts feature wholesome house granola with Estate Dairy yoghurt, brioche buns with smoked salmon, and freshly baked treats like banana bread or raspberry and yoghurt loaf. Expertly brewed Assembly coffee, loose-leaf teas and Natoora juices complete the line-up, making mornings here as inviting as they are indulgent.
By midday, the kitchen shifts into a more savoury gear, with soups such as pappa al pomodoro, seasonal salads like mozzarella, tomato and nectarine, and focaccia sandwiches generously filled with grilled vegetables and basil pesto, or jambon de Paris with artichoke tapenade. Daily specials might bring a delicate courgette and ricotta frittata with a 'little salad', or the rich Torta Caprese for a sweet finale.
As with the rest of The Lavery’s spaces, the café is available for private hire – a chic backdrop for launches, gatherings, or creative events. Upstairs, the acclaimed first-floor restaurant continues the Mediterranean theme under chef Yohei Furuhashi, with dishes such as grilled squid with borlotti and chilli, or veal chop with datterini and anchovy.
Combining heritage, design flair and a versatile menu, Café at The Lavery looks set to become a go-to South Kensington destination for coffee, lunch, and everything in between.