The perfect solution to a heavy Saturday night? A chilled out jazz filled-Sunday at The Wolseley City, where roast potatoes are golden perfection and the soundtrack is pure old-school soul. Every Sunday from 1pm to 4pm, a three-piece jazz band takes to the mezzanine and setting the perfect mood for a long, lazy lunch.
The interiors are everything you’d expect from The Wolseley name. Think double-height ceilings, gold detailing, and a black-and-cream colour palette that nods to 1920s glamour but with an Egyptian twist. It’s glitzy yet inviting, elegant without being intimidating. Huge arched windows open out to the street, ideal for people-watching over your cocktail. You might even recognise the building from its previous life as the House of Fraser, yes, you’re now dining in what was once the beauty hall, and it’s never looked better.
There’s a wonderful sense of grandeur here, with a sweeping staircase wrapped in ornate ironwork leading up to the mezzanine. It’s perfect for private dining or simply watching the room come to life below. And yet, for all its scale and shine, there’s warmth here – it feels relaxed, welcoming, and a little bit indulgent, just as a Sunday should.
Sundays at The Wolseley City are made for celebrating…even if you’re only celebrating making it through the week. Start with a Mimosa pitcher if you’re with friends, or go straight for the Bloody Mary, which has already developed a quiet following. Rumour has it the secret lies in their signature spice mix and a touch of fiery mustard that gives it that unmistakable Wolseley kick.
The wine list is just the right length – refined but approachable and the waiting team are brilliant at guiding you towards the perfect glass to match your chosen dish, leaving you free to keep the conversation (and the jazz) flowing.
We began simply, with warm breadsticks and salted butter – always a good sign when the bread alone could easily steal the show. For starters, we went for the Prawn and Avocado Cocktail, Wolseley-style, a retro classic done beautifully: fat, juicy prawns layered with ripe avocado and a delicate Marie Rose sauce. Alongside it, the Heritage Beetroot, Fennel and Orange Salad was light, zesty, and packed with flavour, the kind of starter that wakes up your palate without filling you up too soon.
When it came to mains, the choice was tough. There’s Sirloin of Herefordshire Beef, Roast Corn-Fed Chicken, and a Roast Cauliflower Darne for vegetarians, all served with the full line-up of Sunday trimmings. We couldn’t resist the beef, and it didn’t disappoint: tender, perfectly pink slices served with rich gravy and just the right balance of fat and flavour.
The sides were every bit as good as the main event; buttery green beans, sweet glazed carrots, and parsnips roasted until caramelised. The roast potatoes were exceptional, golden and crisp on the outside, fluffy inside, the kind of thing Nigella Lawson would rave about. And the Yorkshire pudding? Giant, crisp-edged and cloud-light in the centre. A textbook example of how a Sunday roast should be done.
If you’re not in the mood for a roast, fear not – The Wolseley has you covered with a few modern classics, including the Wolseley Cheeseburger, the ‘Monument’ Fish Pie, and Chicken Schnitzel, all of which looked equally tempting as they sailed past our table.
Dessert is optional only in theory. Leaving The Wolseley without trying one would be, frankly, a crime. The Crème Brûlée is as close to perfect as it gets, smooth, creamy custard with that golden, glass-like top that cracks satisfyingly under your spoon. We also shared the Banana Split, a playful nod to nostalgia with caramelised bananas, rich vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of bitter chocolate sauce. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you grin between bites.
By the time we finished the last of our coffee, the band had started to wind down and the afternoon light softened through the windows. It’s that rare London restaurant that makes you want to linger long after dessert, simply enjoying the moment.
Would we come back? Absolutely. Same time next month? We think so.
The Wolseley City, 68 King William St, London EC4N 7HR
