The Wolseley City

Twenty years the junior of its iconic sibling, The Wolseley, Wolseley City brings a polished, City-centric spin to the group’s signature art-deco stylings. Sitting just moments from Monument station, this sleek outpost delivers all the grandeur you’d expect from Wolseley Hospitality Group, with a distinctly modern edge befitting its Square Mile setting.

Step through the sweeping glass doors and you’re met with an interior that proudly echoes the grand dame of Piccadilly. Monochromatic tones, ornate columns and oversized chandeliers nod to The Wolseley, while art-deco mirrors and grey marble-topped tables give it a fresh identity all its own.

The European café-style menu follows suit. While there are familiar signature dishes, this isn’t a carbon copy. The kitchen balances all-day classics with seasonal updates, making space for top-quality produce to take the spotlight.

To start, an Isle of Wight tomato salad with shaved Provolone was as fresh as it was simple, gently peppered and beautifully composed. A Wolseley cheeseburger followed: juicy, neatly stacked, and quietly luxurious, it ticks the rare box of making a burger feel elegant without sacrificing any of the comfort-factor. Skinny fries came just as they should: golden, salty and resolutely European. A small plate of house-made gnocchi, served with courgette, broad beans and pesto, impressed with its mix of textures. Firm gnocchi and toasted pine nuts contrasted nicely with meltingly tender courgette, though the seasoning ran heavy; a larger portion might have felt overwhelming.

Desserts showcase Wolseley City’s familiar finesse with classics. An apple strudel laced with cinnamon and served with ice cream offered a nostalgic, warming finish without tipping into stodgy territory. A seasonal strawberry pavlova brought a splash of summer with soft meringue, whipped cream on a bed of strawberry sauce.

Service is every bit as slick as you'd expect from the Wolseley name, warm, attentive and properly polished without being overbearing. Drinks also shine: from zingy, sparkling French 75s to excellent coffee, you’re in safe hands from start to finish.

For those navigating the City in search of a reliably stylish spot with proper hospitality and pan-European flair, Wolseley City is a worthy addition to the Square Mile, and a confident younger sibling that’s certainly made its mark.

For 20 years, The Wolseley has stood proudly as a dining institution on London's Piccadilly, known for its grand cafe feel, art deco glamour and acclaimed afternoon tea. Now, the capital is lucky enough to be blessed with a sister restaurant, in the heart of The City's Square Mile.

While The Wolseley City bears all the hallmarks of its predecessor in terms of lavish surroundings and a luxe European menu, it isn't to be taken as a duplicate. This second site has an identity of its own as a complementary sibling, not simply a carbon copy. 

The interiors have been designed by London-based Fabled Studio and pay homage to the original site with a similar vaulted ceiling and grand pillars, as well as a familiar horseshoe entrance. Guests will also be dazzled by sparkling Byzantine chandeliers, baroque ironwork and 1920s Egyptian touches, all of which are very unique to this site.

The menu leans into an all-day dining theme with plenty of house favourites such as schnitzel, steak tartare and coq au vin, alongside an impressive seafood offering, too. For breakfast, for which the Wolseley is traditionally beloved, expect to see all of the classics from eggs Benedict to pancakes, as well as Wolseley signatures like bubble and squeak, grilled kippers and fried haggis with duck eggs.  

Diners are invited to enjoy The Wolseley City from morning til night, from sipping their first coffee of the day, to clinking cocktails come evening. The bar is extremely well stocked too, with a curated wine list featuring bottles from across Europe, as well as a 'fine and rare' section for those extra special vintages. Expect, also, a list of international whiskeys and expertly made cocktails from go-to blends to in-house specialities.