Synonymous with being the place to go for breakfast, afternoon tea or dinner and drinks, The Wolseley has a reputation of classical elegance that has lasted through the ages since it first opened in 2003. But what lays behind the restaurants’ beautiful façade, is a motoring and financial history that many entering The Wolseley today, may be unaware.
Our editor Verity Craig tells the story behind one of her personal favourite haunts in London
Step inside The Wolseley, and what will always strike you, is it’s grandeur, height and bustle.
Since opening as a restaurant in 2003 by restauranteurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, this marbled interior, monochrome classical venue set in the heart of Piccadilly has captured the hearts of the elite crowds, the media world, the tourists and even Royalty.
“English architect, William Curtis Green, created ‘160 Piccadilly’ when commissioned by Wolseley Motors Limited, hence the buildings height,”
Known as London’s first grand café, The Wolseley’s menu of popular European dishes have remained ever popular; from the eggs Benedict for breakfast to the oysters or chateaubriand for lunch or dinner, and of course their famous afternoon tea.
But it wasn’t always the epitome of glamour and style. It was in 1921 that English architect, William Curtis Green, created ‘160 Piccadilly’ when commissioned by Wolseley Motors Limited, hence the buildings height. He clearly took on an artistic viewpoint for the new car showroom, while also working around the practicalities of what it would ultimately be used for; cars.
Sadly, the story for Wolseley Motors was not as successful as the building would be in its future, and so Wolseley Motors closed a few years later in 1926.
However, the tale of this venue didn’t end there for its architect. In 1927 William Curtis Green was once again commissioned to work on the building, but this time by its new purchasers, Barclays Bank, who had appointed him to make necessary big alterations for cashiers points and offices while making sure it was all still in keeping with the buildings elegant image. The managers’ offices that he placed either side of the grand entrance, are still there today now as the cocktail bar on the right and the tea salon on the left.
It was then in 2003, upon Barclays Bank closing and selling to Chris Corbin and Jeremy King that this building really started to make history; in its new guise as a restaurant. When the doors flung open, guests flooded to get their booked tables… and so it has continued.
Rather gracefully, and as a nod to the architect who spent much of his career working tirelessly on this iconic London building, the current owners have kept much of the original architecture. The stunning monochrome marbled floor, for example, remains with the beautiful domed ceiling above, as do many smaller aspects that one can spy throughout while sipping on Champagne or enjoying a hearty meal at this charming ‘grand cafe.’
The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9EB. Tel: 020 7499 6996