Restaurants

On summer weekends of old, the stressed demeanour of the Pavilion Cafe’s staff used to suggest they’d rather there weren’t quite so many customers in one of London’s best park eateries. But a back-room boost (of staff and electricity) now ensures the operation glides effortlessly through from breakfast to high tea. Though staff are still slow at dishing up just what the aspiring foodie locals order, whether it’s healthy kids’ meals (there’s always an own-made pasta dish plus carefully sourced sausage or fish fingers served with vegetables and deliciously crunchy chips), soups, French-inspired salads and sandwiches, or an assortment of fresh cakes, including wheat- and dairy-free, all baked on the premises. With such an emphasis on organic, own-made, free range and fresh-baked, plus wine or beer by the glass, there’s an increasing lunchtime fanbase of grown-ups who even have their own ‘kid-free’ area. But it’s the quieter breakfast sitting (before the hordes descend) that show off this café – and the park – to their best advantage.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008