Brasserie Zédel | Glamorous Art Deco Brasserie in The Heart Of Piccadilly
Ah, zee French.
Famous around the world for being excellent lovers, passionate gastronomes and stylish dressers, they’ve also carved out a reputation for having cavernous brasseries (not to be confused with “cavernous brassières”) that do affordable, all-day dining in beautiful surroundings better than anyone.
Anyone except The Wolseley Hospitality Group, proprietors of The Delaunay, Fischers and Bellanger, and of course The Wolseley who took over Parisian-style brasserie, bar and street level café: Brasserie Zédel.
It’s all neatly contained within an elegant, white-tiled building a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus. Head through the café, down the sweeping staircase, and you’ll find a subterranean, wood-panelled, art deco lobby with ceiling frescoes, chandeliers, retro ticket booths and the restaurant and two bars spinning off it. Here’s what you’ll find within…
–
BRASSERIE ZÉDEL
It’s a grandiose, ballroom-esque, marble pillar-laden restaurant with live music. Look around and you’ll notice the pink tablecloths, scalloped crockery and a list of entrées that, naturally, includes snails. For its opulent surroundings, it’s unexpectedly good value – the fixed, all-day à la carte starts at £15.75 for two courses.
There is, unsurprisingly, a lengthy wine menu packed with Picpoul de Pinet, crémant, and Breton cider, to wash down dishes like butterflied sardines with tomatoes and olives; grilled baby spatchcock chicken with tarragon vinaigrette and French fries; and slow-roasted lamb. And to finish? Mont-Blancs, profiteroles, or Tarte Tatin for two, perhaps followed by a cocktail at…
–
THE CRAZY COQS
Showcasing a highly curated selection of music, theatre, comedy and literary events, Live At Zédel is a rotating arts programme designed to tap into and present the best of what London has to offer. And what London has to offer is good. Very good. Expect everything from West End musical stars to jazz sets from food critics; all taking place in the colourful, thoroughly 1930s cabaret bar. But if you want someone to sing for your supper, you’ll also find live bands in the main Brasserie every night from 8pm-10:30pm from Monday to Wednesday, and 9pm-11pm from Thursday to Saturday (7:30-9pm Sundays).
–
BAR AMÉRICAIN
If you’re feeling ‘frenched-out’, head to Bar Américain. Set in the same building, it’s an opulent, art deco American cocktail bar serving light snacks, classic cocktails (negronis, martinis, whisky sours) and house cocktails like the Brandy Crusta (with calvados, Triple Sec, fresh lemon, and citrus dust), and the Sage Colada (rum milk punch and safe cordial). There are no reservations here, so just drop on by after your meal or cabaret show.
–
THE ZL CAFÉ
Your new #1 spot for double espressos and pains au chocolat over the morning papers; for a couple of cold Picon bières; or for a tartine au brie de Meaux washed down with a few glasses of Sauvignon Pays d’Oc, overlooked by vintage French posters…
Bon Appétit.
NOTE: Brasserie Zédel is open daily for lunch and dinner. You can find out more information, and book online, here.
Brasserie Zédel | 20 Sherwood Street, W1F 7ED
More French cuisine, please? We’ve got you covered with the best French restaurants in London…