Fernandez & Wells

Time Out says

Fri Oct 19 2012

This newest branch of the thriving mini-chain is also the biggest: four rooms in the east wing of Somerset House, and very attractive rooms they are too, displaying light wood, clean lines and minimal decoration. The formula is the same here as elsewhere, with emphasis on very good coffee and simple food whose selling point is the quality of raw ingredients (mostly Iberian but also Italian).

Already familiar with the excellent jamón and salami, we decided to give the on-display sandwiches a go – and lived to regret it. They appeared to have been sitting around for a while, and seemed distinctly tired – dried, cracking cheese, staling bread. They weren’t terrible, just boring. Baked goods were much better, and the coffee was the real star. F&W buys from Has Bean, and its espresso blend has good fruity notes and a pleasantly long aftertaste even without sugar. A piccolo was smaller than most, with lovely creaminess.

The wine list is not exactly cheap, but it is concise and of a high quality. You could easily spend a happy lunchtime or evening here, as long as you stick to the strong points.