Pennethorne’s Cafe

4 Reviews on “Pennethorne’s Cafe”

• Annie Hall

  I seem to be going cocktail-crazy lately. From New York SATC tours and Soho basement bars to homemade attempts, it’s been fun experimenting. Now, I believe I have found my newest favourite cocktail bar here in London town: Pennethorne’s at Somerset House. Not only are the cocktails absolutely delicious, but they also serve tapas dishes, and you can enjoy it all on an alfresco terrace. The cobbled courtyard is nestled in the grounds of the new West Wing of Somerset House, between the Strand and Waterloo Bridge. With the Thames just over your shoulder, this little Victorian haven is one for Londoners in the know.I was invited along to sample the new Spring menu and the eponymous cocktails. A beautiful Thursday evening in London, the iconic Somerset House set the scene for this elegant bar in the West Wing. Named for the architect whose Victorian designs can be found all over our city, Pennethorne’s interior has high ceilings, inky dark walls, arched windows and dcor inspired by Pennethorne’s Grand Tour of Europe. Outside on the cobbled courtyard, the bustling West End not a stone’s throw away, the secluded setting has a cosy Victorian vibe where you can enjoy alfresco cocktails away from the usual tourist trails and the river breeze.Greeted by Mercedes, a name in keeping with the opulence of the bar, we walked through several champagne-swilling parties to our leather and velvet banquette. Mercedes, and the bar manager, Jo, treated us like VIPs all evening, recommending cocktail after cocktail and presenting us with a tapas-style feast representing their artisan menu inspired by Pennethorne’s travels to Spain, Italy and France. Not usually a huge fan of olives or mushrooms, I’m now converted. The gordal olives were soft and flavourful while the mushroom toast had recently been taken off the menu, but so many regulars demanded it back it’s now featured again. And it’s easy to see why, all the food is simply cooked with seasonal ingredients and presented beautifully, tasting delicious.Ham and cheese croquettes melt in the mouth, while the soft centred eggs are complemented beautifully by Spanish bacon. The frittata, though slim, is packed with flavour and more than filling. One of the cheeses has a red wine skin. Need I say anymore?The real reason we were here, of course, was for the cocktails. There were many post-work people supping champagne, there was a couple enjoying a wine flight and there was craft beer on tap. But we were here for some classic elegant drinks. First up was the Somerset and The Royale. Vanilla Galliano, Lemon, Passoa, Passionfruit and Pineapple served in a coupe glass and garnished with an edible flower was the Somerset – sweet, fruity and slightly fizzy. The Royale was a twist on the classic, with Martini Bianco, Peach Vodka, Strawberry Liqueur, Chocolate Bitters and Prosecco, again with an edible flower to give it a real sophistication. Both delicious. The ever-attentive Mercedes took the liberty of bringing us the second round, this time The Herbalist and Lavender Fields. The Herbalist was fruity but with a kick of cracked black pepper and garnished with fresh coriander – made with in-house infused coriander gin and strawberry liqueur. Lavender Fields was fresh and fizzy, with Bombay Sapphire gin, green tea, fresh apple juice, ginger syrup, and lavender bitters. On top, of course, a purple flower.For dessert, Pennethorne’s just serve cocktails. My kind of dessert! Instead of calorific stodgy sweet pudding, we were treated to two more cocktails, as recommended by Mercedes, and once we tasted them, we could see why they were the perfect end to a meal, and no better substitute for dessert. El Patron was made with Coffee Patron, coconut rum, Amaretto, pineapple and chocolate bitters. All the elements you need in a dessert, creamy and sweet, looking like a cute Guinness in a martini glass, tasting like chocolate pudding in liquid form. The final cocktail, The Strand, finished the evening off perfectly, a blend of whiskey, cassis, homemade honey syrup, walnut bitters and ginger ale. A nightcap before heading back out to a bustling Thursday evening in Covent Garden.Without a doubt I will be returning to Pennethorne’s, both for the food and for the cocktails. The exclusivity of the bar and the Victorian vibe of the courtyard in the sunshine makes it one of those hidden gems that we who live in London love to about, but can’t keep it a secret. anniethingforfood.co.uk

  August 31, 2016, 6:57 pm

  Log in to Reply
• Studded Kisses Blog

  This is an awesome location to grab a bite to eat when at Somerset House. If you are at LFW or on a first date.The quaint little restaurant provides a stylish, luxurious place to eat and drink. With good food and lovely drinks.The sharing platters were amazing we tried both the cheese and meat boards both were amazingly mouth watering. The table was full with food and cocktails just how we like it.Talking about tables the restaurant isn’t massive so seating is limited.Eat the Mushrooms on Toast. They are beautiful! studdedkissesblog.co.uk

  October 17, 2015, 3:27 pm

  Log in to Reply
• Social Concierge

  The VibeSecond dates are curious beasts. You clearly like each other enough to warrant a repeat viewing, yet its still early days so planning a top notch meal or expensive drinks may seem OTT. You need non- committal yet thoughtful, relaxed yet structured and boozy yet with a chance to chat. Well, hello Pennethornes.The OrderPerfectly suited to dates, the drinks are divine and the food is exceptional (Charcuterie, cheese platter, sophisticated bar snacks done REALLY well). Start with cocktails spicing things up with a Chilli Martini if youre feeling crazy, then settle in for a bottle of Rose or Red dependent on the weather outside.The GameTake pleasure in texting them to request that they meet you in the West Wing of Somerset House. Call ahead and request a corner booth- sit next to one another; place a hand on their back if youre feeling punchy. Drink away the early evening and watch the room as well dressed couples and glamorous artsy friends catch up. Leave via the courtyard and marvel at the buildings that surround you then head down to the river for guaranteed romance.The FaultsIt closes at 10pm so get there early enough to fit in a few hours, and have a game plan for after so you dont lose momentum.Sex Factor4. socialconcierge.co.uk

  September 26, 2015, 10:33 am

  Log in to Reply
• OMOTG

  Open for breakfast from 8:00am each weekday morning, you can enjoy freshly baked specialist breads including Banana Bread and Bacon Brioche as well as pastries from the in-house bakery. The all-day small plates are ideal for sharing, along with some of the finest artisan coffees from the brew bar as well as craft beers and a great selection of French Italian and English wines. Each month a new coffee is featured so you can experience different flavours from around the world.The evening menu offers a choice of toast, salads, meats, cheeses and puddings. But the best way to enjoy Pennethornes is by ordering platters to share…You can read the full review on our website below: omotg.com

  June 16, 2015, 11:34 pm

  Log in to Reply