Smack bang in the central courtyard of The Royal Exchange, this D&D café certainly boasts an impressive setting. The Grade I-listed paean to City commerce might now simply be a (very) posh retail centre, but it sure does look the part - it's quite a building.
The Grand Café & Bar itself focuses on informal modern-European dining, with breakfasts and long lunches proving particularly popular with the local City crowd. And if you fancy something a little more refined? There's Sauterelle upstairs, on the first-floor mezzanine overlooking things.
There’s not a long wrong with the Grand Cafe. Set in the courtyard of this once resplendent bank, The Grand Cafe is a chic, handsome and grand just like the many building that surrounds the Royal Exchange.
I went along when the Afternoon Tea had a Japanese theme to it. Forget the standard teriyaki chicken bun, the cream cheese, with sesame, pickled ginger wrapped in nori seaweed that’ll have you wanting more. The cocktails were pretty fantastic too. The Matcha Martini was innovative, light and refreshing.
At first glance, the chic oval bar in the centre of the courtyard might be all there is to it, but it’s not, the mezzanine and gallery restaurant that overlooks the courtyard is also owned by the same group that owns the Grand Cafe so the Grand Cafe is bigger than meets the eye.
The only gripe: The price. It doesn’t really deliver the best value for money and I formed the impression that you’re paying to more to be seated at a pretty fancy place. Don't come hungry.
If you’re looking to impress a friend, a date, a client, then The Grand Cafe is a grand choice. I witnessed a proposal on my visit. She said yes. Goes to show that the Grand Cafe is also the perfect wingman.
I had forgotten what an incredible spot this is.
The former home of Lloyds of London for 150 years.
Now a luxury shopping Mecca and home of the Grand Brassiere. Enjoy a coffee in opulent surroundings and some serious architecture.