Mayfair , Sandwiches, Cakes, Etc Restaurant Guide

2021 Review: For a posh bun, it’s hard to upstage this new Milanese import: a fashionista favourite for its superlative cakes and also serving some more substantial dishes (such as risotti) alongside cocktails and wine. Too limited feedback for a rating as yet, but all of it enthusiastic.

2022 Review: Following closure of L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon and the death of the man himself, this Picadilly café is now one of two London ventures opened in late 2019 by the group he founded. It’s all very chic and continental, but you don’t come here for culinary adventure – but to buy or snack on everyday staples (lots of tempting patisserie and viennoiserie, lasagna, club sandwich, Caesar salad…).

Jet-set living for the price of a (admittedly relatively expensive) croissant and a coffee? That’s the promise of this new café within Claridge’s, serving up toasties, crepes and cakes in a new space with a small art gallery attached designed by John Pawson.

Bianca Tavella’s ground-breaking non-profit moved from Mayfair to splendid new Covent Garden premises in early 2023, bringing tasty treats, light lunches and a proper caffeine hit to guests, while its workforce of young people with learning difficulties get their first proper shot at a job. This social enterprise is a winner, too: 100% of its graduates move on to paid employment, against the UK’s 95% unemployment rate among adults with learning difficulties.