Thomas’s Café, London, UK

There’s something wonderfully holistic about having a bite to eat after a session of energetic shopping. More so when the menu is a brand continuation of the said retail therapy. Exhibit A is Burberry’s cozy all-day café. Located in the corner of the extended Regent Street store, the light-washed Thomas’s – named after Burberry’s founder – was conceived by the label’s CEO and creative director Christopher Bailey. 

The décor of the split level space, alongside the gift room, takes its cue from the building – an 1820 mansion originally built for the Prince Regent which, through the years has been the Rembrandt Head Gallery, livery stables, radio broadcaster and cinema. Black and white marble floors, and dark wood furniture set off nicely the high ceiling and large windows that peek out onto Sackville Street.

No surprises that the menu harnesses seasonal produce from a small corps of UK farmers and artisan suppliers. The result is a meal that is as resolutely British as the brand: a Full English fry-up and Sutton Hoo chicken salads vie with lobster and chips, Mersea rock oysters, and cured salmon served with soda bread. Afternoon tea is a particular delight with hot crumpets emerging from the Aga to accompany finger sandwiches and cakes.

Rumour has it that the Shepherd’s Pie – stuffed with Herdwick lamb from the Lake District, and served with a pot of baby carrots, broad beans and marjoram – is London’s best. You heard it here first.