Glamorous all-day grand café on Piccadilly in stunning former car showroom. Serves European classics from breakfast to dinner in magnificent high-ceilinged space. Perfect for afternoon tea.
The Wolseley is a grand all-day café-restaurant at 160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB, next to the Ritz in Mayfair. It occupies a former showroom built in the 1920s for Wolseley Motors, later a bank branch, and opened as a restaurant in 2003 under restaurateurs Jeremy King and Chris Corbin. The soaring ceilings, black lacquer, marble floors and vast columns give it the feel of a Viennese coffee house, and the room is one of the most photographed dining spaces in London.
The food follows a Central European grand café tradition alongside British classics. Wiener schnitzel is the emblematic main course, served at roughly £28 to £30, and the all-day menu covers eggs Benedict and Royale for breakfast, viennoiserie, soups, steaks, fish and Austrian-style pastries. Afternoon tea, about £35 per person, is a major draw, served with finger sandwiches, scones and cakes. Breakfast is considered a London institution, popular with business diners and visitors alike. Prices place the venue in the upper mid-range, with a main course commonly costing £20 to £35.
The atmosphere is formal but lively. Staff wear traditional uniforms, the room is busy and fairly loud, and there is a constant stream of tourists, theatre-goers, publishers and local regulars. Smart casual dress is the norm. The beverage list includes coffee and tea, cocktails, Champagne and a wine list weighted towards Europe, with the bar serving drinks throughout the day.
The Wolseley opens daily from 07:00 until midnight, which makes it unusually flexible for breakfast, lunch, tea, dinner or a late supper. Reservations are recommended and weekend slots for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner can fill days or even weeks ahead; reserving by phone on +44 20 7499 6996 or online is the standard route. Walk-in tables are sometimes available, especially at breakfast on weekdays or late evening, but there may be a wait. Service charge is typically added to the bill. Green Park and Piccadilly Circus stations are both within a short walk, as are the Royal Academy and Fortnum & Mason.
| Price | $$-$$$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 07:00-00:00 |
| Reservations | Recommended |
| Address | 160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB |
Signature dishes
- Wiener schnitzel — $28
- Eggs Benedict — $16
- Afternoon tea — $35
Location
160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB
51.5082, -0.1409 View on map
Highlights
- Former 1920s car showroom turned Viennese-style grand café
- Wiener schnitzel as the signature main course
- Afternoon tea in a soaring marble and lacquer room
- Open daily from breakfast to midnight on Piccadilly
Tips for visiting
- Reserve afternoon tea and weekend meals well ahead, as slots fill days or weeks in advance.
- Weekday breakfast is a good time for walk-in seating and a calmer room.
- Afternoon tea costs about £35 per person, less than a dinner main course plus drinks.
- Smart casual dress fits the room; service charge is usually added to the bill.
- Walk from Green Park station, then combine with the Royal Academy or Fortnum & Mason.
When to visit
Weekday breakfast or a late supper offers the easiest seating, while weekend afternoon tea and dinner are the busiest.
Accessibility
The venue is on a main London street with a large, open ground-floor room, and step-free access is generally available. Contact the restaurant on +44 20 7499 6996 to confirm arrangements and accessible toilet provision.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is The Wolseley?
It is at 160 Piccadilly, London W1J 9EB, beside the Ritz and close to Green Park station.
Does The Wolseley need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Some walk-in tables are available at quieter times.
What is the signature dish?
Wiener schnitzel is the emblematic main course, with eggs Benedict at breakfast and afternoon tea as other popular choices.
What are the opening hours?
The restaurant is listed as open daily from 07:00 to midnight.