About
Next door to Skye Gyngell’s Spring at historic Somerset House, you’ll find this altogether more casual café and bar, named after Sir James Pennethorne – architect of the West Wing that today houses both eateries. The all-day deli-style menu partly draws inspiration from Sir James’s 19th-century Grand Tour of Europe, with a selection of well-sourced small plates, ranging from Roquefort salad with bitter leaves or ibérico ham, to pickled Cornish mackerel on toast or air-dried Yorkshire lamb. Speciality breads and pastries – the likes of bacon brioche for breakfast – are a real draw and they are also available to take away. Drinks reflect the smart heritage-rich setting – healthy juices, artisan coffee, craft beers and ciders, plus a decent wine list and classy cocktails such as the Corretto Martini (grappa, coffee liqueur and espresso). Note the good-value pre-theatre special: £25.50 buys two people a sharing board of food and a glass of Prosecco each.