Bistrot on the Terrace at Wild Honey

First there was Wild Honey, the Michelin-starred flagship restaurant at the luxury Sofitel St James’ Hotel. Then came Bistrot at Wild Honey, a more informal venture leaning into French bistronomy. Now, sitting pretty in Waterloo Place, Bistrot on the Terrace is yet another testament to Anthony Demetre’s knack for unpretentious yet refined dining - this time at an astonishingly reasonable price.

The setting is nothing short of palatial, surrounded by staggering monuments and neoclassical buildings adorned with Corinthian capitals. But amidst this imperial grandeur, Bistrot on the Terrace feels like a Parisian escape. Moss green planters, faux marble tables, and bolero chairs all gently encourage indulgence in summery spritzes. We choose a grapefruit Monarda Spritz. It arrives jovial and bubblegum pink, spiked with Tequila and fizzing with bergamot tonic.

Committed to the fantasy of a Parisian working lunch, we opted for a charcuterie board accompanied by a chewy-soft sourdough. It’s not revolutionary (nor should it be), but the Finocchiona gently blew us away; provoking long-stored memories of greaseproof-wrapped salami sarnies on the Mediterranean coast.

Each dish reflects Demetre’s dedication to simplicity and quality. Coral-red Mazara prawns, succulent and honey-sweet, are bathed in butter and infused with smoked Szeged paprika. Humble broccoli is verdant and crunchy with a subtle acidity warmed by a peppering of chilli. There’s plenty of room for big flavours, too. Dry-aged Herefordshire bavette is a triumph - expertly seared and finished in a glossy peppercorn sauce that captures the boldness of the cut. It’s steak frites, served with Koffmann fries so crisp Pierre himself would be proud.

We finish with an almost intoxicating choux bun au craquelin. Small but perfectly formed and paired with floral gariguette strawberries, it's a glorious reminder of the kitchen's Michelin-starred pedigree. We’re already planning a return visit to Bistrot at Wild Honey, partly to tuck into the plat du jour, but mostly to sip a few too many “I am very specific with my Negronis” - one of the best Negronis in London.

Now that the sun has started shining you can add another must-visit London terrace to your list: Bistrot on the Terrace at Wild Honey. The al fresco dining option at Chef Anthony Demetre's much loved restaurant, it also offers French-inspired, seasonal dining but with a relaxed feel to suit outdoor dining. 

Its location is unrivalled, positioned in the heart of glamorous St James, it sits directly outside the group's luxury hotel, St James. London, with views of the grand statues at Waterloo Place, cream-toned period buildings and with sights like Trafalgar Square just a few seconds walk. 

Francophiles will appreciate the Parisian-style cafe seating, with charming tables and chairs that make you feel like you're in the French capital. Tables are topped with classic marble and there's also comfy couch seating, which acts as a divider to passersby, too. If the sun is shining a little too enthusiastically, the parasol umbrellas will keep you in the shade, same for light showers also. 

The Terrace boasts its own menu, starting with small plates which are perfect for long, lazy lunches and warm-evening dining. Think seasonal options like English asparagus with crushed poached egg and vinaigrette, alongside whipped cod’s roe with grilled flat bread and grilled Provençale sweet peppers with chapelure. But, if nibbles are more your thing, crowd-pleasers like artisanal charcuterie or French and British cheese boards go down a treat, especially with a side of salted almonds and mixed olives.

Moving onto mains and for those who have come hungry, you can't go wrong with the Scottish beef burger with fried onions, cheese and fries, while we also like the sound of the whole young chicken lacquered with honey and preserved lemon, served with roast shallots. For dessert, French classics like strawberry choux craquelin bun or tarte de jour, really stand out.