Five places for cake & a glass of good cheer
Charles Campion picks some of London's best spots for festive gatherings...
St John Bread and Wine
94-96 Commercial Street, E1 (020 3301 8069, stjohnbreadandwine.com) The menu here is arranged in time-of-day order and beside 11am you'll find "Seed cake and a glass of Madeira" (£6.80). This combination is a particular favourite of chef-proprietor Fergus Henderson. A magnificent restorative, or up the ante and try the magnificent Eccles cake (£2.60).
Brown's Hotel
33 Albemarle Street, W1 (020 7493 6020, brownshotel.com) When out shopping, particularly when you're fighting through the Christmas crowds, it is a real pleasure to take the weight off your feet. You may not want the full afternoon tea but in the Donovan bar at Brown's you'll find some excellent cakes, Victoria sponge, chocolate cake and Christmas cake (any two slices £8). To be enjoyed with Irish coffee (£14) or a glass of champagne (£14).
Dean Street Townhouse
71 Dean Street, W1 (020 7434 1775, deanstreettownhouse.com) A clubby sort of place and none the worse for that. Almond cake, chocolate and coffee cake, pineapple upside-down cake, or banana and pecan cake (all
at £3.75). Add a glass of champagne (from £9) or a glass of mulled wine (£5).
Liberty
Great Marlborough Street, W1 (020 7734 1234, liberty.co.uk) A visit to either the tea room on the ground floor or the Café Liberty on the second floor will put you right. Coffee cake, rich chocolate cake, or an organic, gluten-free carrot cake (all at £5.50). Team your cake with a glass of rather good fizz: Balfour brut English rosé (£9.95).
The Goring
15 Beeston Place, SW1 (020 7396 9000, thegoring.com ) Pause at the bar for a glass of champagne (Ayala £12, Bollinger £15) and a slice of chocolate cake with whipped cream (£10).
