Fulham Palace Café

Time Out says

Thu Oct 18 2012

Just up from Putney Bridge, Fulham Palace was the country residence of the Bishops of London for over 12 centuries. Now the splendid remains, mixing Tudor, Georgian and Victorian architecture, are open to the public, along with this café, set in the graceful former drawing room. The main attraction lies beyond the tall windows: a terrace overlooking a vast lawn, surrounded by a handsome wall and towering historic trees. Families love it because it’s safe for scampering children – and also next door to Bishops Park with its recently renovated playground and ‘beach’.

Standard breakfast fare, from croissants to a full english, is followed by a short lunch menu that includes ‘platters’ of fish, ham or vegetables, a few salads, and hot dishes such as grilled salmon or Old Spot sausages with chips. There’s also a kids’ menu and, later on, proper afternoon tea. Sadly, the food doesn’t match the setting – we experienced underdone poached eggs, overdone bacon, poor coffee – and prices are high, with burger and chips costing nearly a tenner. Note that you can’t book the terrace tables.