Fernandez & Wells

Fernandez & Wells is a London group of coffee bars, delis and wine bars founded in Soho, England, and now running several sites across central London, including locations near Beak Street, Lexington Street and Somerset House. The cafés combine speciality espresso with a short menu of Spanish and Italian-leaning food: sandwiches built on good bread, charcuterie, cheeses, tortilla, pastries and cakes. The chorizo sandwich is a recognisable staple, alongside toasties, salads and seasonal specials. Espresso, flat whites and filter coffee are made with carefully sourced beans, and many branches also serve wine, sherry and vermouth by the glass, which makes the bars useful from morning coffee through to a relaxed early evening drink. The interiors are small, minimalist and informal, with counters, a few stools and tables, and a steady stream of office workers, shoppers and creative professionals. The mood is busy but friendly, and noise levels are moderate. There is no dress code and no reservations; service is counter-based, and seating is limited, so many customers take coffee away. Typical prices are modest by central London standards, with an espresso at around £3 and a sandwich or light meal at roughly £7 to £10. Opening hours vary by branch, with weekday opening usually from early morning and weekend opening a little later, so check the specific site. The Soho sites are best visited outside the lunchtime rush, and the larger Somerset House branch offers a more spacious setting. Visitors can also buy cheese, charcuterie and wine to take away from some locations.