Sometimes there is nothing better than unearthing that perfect go-to restaurant, where you know a table will always be available, the service spot-on, the atmosphere approachable and the menu filled with crowd-pleasing classics.
And while the original Ivy restaurant has honed its reputation for upscale exclusivity, Caprice Holdings has smartly traded on that, to create a series of accessible, informal neighbourhood restaurants, first with its grills and brasseries arm and now with a string of cafés- all of which possess that distinct Ivy prestige but with a comforting openness.
Following Marylebone and Wimbledon Village, the third opening to join the group’s fleet of cafés, is on St John’s Wood High Street. Here, London-based Martin Brudnizki Design Studio has assembled a dazzling eye-catcher that is anchored by an antique onyx bar, gold pendant lighting and marble flooring underfoot. That further leads into a dining space where a feature skylight sits above cosy burnt orange banquettes and mirrored walls overlaid with glass murals depicting various wildlife.
Open seven days a week, the all-day diner serves up a vast menu of comforting bites to suit all tastes, from creamy Eggs Benedict to cottage pie, a series of tummy-filling sandwiches and good ol’ crispy battered fish and chips. Of course, a Saturday spent shopping wouldn’t be complete without popping in for an indulgent champagne afternoon tea, served with a selection of savouries along with freshly baked fruited scones, clotted cream and strawberry preserve.
INFORMATION
Website
ADDRESS
120 St John’s Wood High Street
-
The bespoke Jaguar E-Type GTO melds elements from every era of the classic sports carECD Automotive Design’s one-off commission caters to a client who wanted to combine the greatest hits of Jaguar’s E-Type along with modern conveniences and more power
-
Casa Sanlorenzo debuts in Venice as a new hub for contemporary artThe luxury yachting leader unveils a stunning new space in a palazzo restored by Piero Lissoni – where art, innovation, and sustainability come together
-
Once vacant, London's grand department stores are getting a new lease on lifeThanks to imaginative redevelopment, these historic landmarks are being rebonr as residences, offices, gyms and restaurants. Here's what's behind the trend
-
This Hackney bar is reviving London’s legacy of lesbian spacesDesigned by Studio Popelo, La Camionera emerges as a vital sanctuary for London’s FLINTA* community, honouring it right down to the details
-
Time-travel to the golden age of the cruise ship at Sea Containers LondonThe South Bank hotel celebrates its tenth anniversary with four new suites inspired by period cabin design, from Edwardian elegance to 1980s glamour
-
Twin Peaks’ Double R Diner is coming to London (for a day)Mubi marks Twin Peaks’ 35th anniversary with pop-up diner and streaming release
-
Ukrainian restaurant Sino adds to London's diverse food culture with warming traditions that feel familiar yet newPronounced see-no, the new Ukrainian restaurant in Notting Hill, by Polina Sychova and chef Eugene Korolev, is built on the intimate relationship between people and nature – offering beauty in simplicity
-
Art, pasta and maritozzi: this is Locatelli at the National GalleryChef Giorgio Locatelli is the National Gallery’s new Italian master with the latest chapter of his beloved London restaurant
-
A local’s guide to London – Climax Books founder Isabella Burley’s favourite hauntsCreative consultant Isabella Burley credits growing up in the English capital with shaping who she is today. She takes us on a tour of some significant spots
-
This new London restaurant is a Greek island idyll on a plateMyrtos by Asimakis is a flavoursome ode to Kefalonia, conceptualised by Vernon Viljoen and Block1:Design
-
Late-night spring shopping comes to London’s Chiltern StreetOn Thursday 22 May, those in London can enjoy the Chiltern Street Spring Shopping Evening, including a programme of in-store drinks, offers and workshops
