Sotheby's

Time Out says

Wed Oct 17 2012

Not a café at all, but a small restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in a space that looks like it’s been tipped out of a rather elegant old train compartment. The windowless room is all mirror and wood, though half the tables spill across into the plush but bland main corridor of the auction house. These foyer tables give you a good view of the comings and goings of the delightfully posh Sotheby’s clientele.

The lunch menu is short and adventurous: three starters and three mains, one apiece for carnivores, piscivores and vegetarians. Chopped duck liver pâté was generous but disappointing, the elements plonked on to the plate with little care, its flavour equally utilitarian. A main of devilled quail looked and tasted better, delicately cooked to the requisite pinkness, and accompanied by delicious cornbread and a perfectly ripe avocado and tomato salad. Goat’s cheese soufflé looked equally enticing as it went past. Prices are a touch expensive, with a rocket and parmesan side salad at £5.50 feeling like a particularly cheeky ask, though balanced by a more reasonable £5.75 for perfect eton mess.