Art Deco Dining in London: Brasserie Zédel

As you’re probably already aware, I love French food. So I was delighted when one of my fellow Blister Sisters added a French restaurant to our London visit the week before our rowing tour of the Thames. What I didn’t realize was that Brasserie Zédel is the place for Art Deco dining in London. I would discover this on our first full day in London Town, when we made our way there for lunch. But first, we emerged from Piccadilly Underground station that morning and strolled the grand, curved Georgian architecture of Regent Street. From here, we set out on our walking tour of some of the world’s great luxury shops.

The Lap of Luxury

Our meanderings took us first to Carnaby Street in the trendsetting district of SOHO. And from there, to one of my most favourite department stores, Liberty. If you’re not familiar with this storied boutique, you can pay a visit by reading my post Liberty London: A Shopper’s Treasure Chest.

We rounded out our luxe shopping tour with a meander down Saville Row, the home of bespoke haberdasheries, and a quick visit to the original department store, the historic Burlington Arcade. This early 19th-century covered mall bills itself as the ‘original department store’. And today it’s covered passage is still lined with fine jewellery and china boutiques, as well as luxury fashion houses.

Tea Time Treats

Emerging onto Piccadilly Street, a quick jot took us to the front entrance of Fortnum & Mason. We spent some time perusing the numerous floors of this, the city’s most famous purveyors of tea, delighting in its whimsical displays. And I don’t think I’m giving away any secrets when I say that more than one of us departed with at least one of their signature teal-coloured souvenirs.

An Art Deco Fantasy

Heading back towards Piccadilly Circus, it wasn’t long before we arrived at our lunch spot – Brasserie Zédel. As we passed the patio diners, the canopy overhead gave a hint of the architectural style that awaited us inside. Upon entering, I was surprised to be descending a staircase. And even more so to see the vintage Art Deco posters lining the walls. And by the time I stepped on to the landing, the stunning decor surrounding the lobby left no doubt. We would definitely be Art Deco dining in London. As I descended the final staircase, my hand gliding along the stylish, brass railing, I felt like I was stepping back in time. For every inch of the lovingly restored lobby hearkened back to the 1930’s, the heyday of Art Deco, short for the French Arts Décoratifs. Fitting then that scenes of London and New York landmarks of the era should be accompanied by Parisian ones. I was intrigued to discover that, as well as leading to the Brasserie, the lobby also opened on to the Bar Américain and a cabaret named The Crazy Coqs. It seemed there was no end to the secrets this underground world held.

And entering the dining room of Brasserie Zédel did nothing but reinforce this feeling. For the happy diners glowed in the warmth of the wood, marble and gold decor surrounding them. And the charming pink, damask table linens further highlighted this ambiance.

Fabulous French Fare

After the endeavours of our morning, I was ready for a hearty meal. So I ordered the Ravioles aux Épinard et Fromage, Sauce Provençal. And the flavourful sauce of this ooey-gooey baked spinach and cheese ravioli dish warmed the cockles of my heart, and belly. It also brought back fond memories of my visit to Provence the week before. Plus, it was perfect for sopping up with a delicious baguette!

Upon This Rock

Sufficiently sufficed, my rowing sisters and I made our way back above ground. And this time we travelled back a further two centuries with a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Situated on London’s highest point, Christopher Wren’s English Baroque masterpiece is crowned by a 365 foot high dome.

Being the seat of the Anglican Bishop of London, St. Paul’s serves as the mother church of the city. And as such, it has been host to numerous notable celebrations, including royal ones. Strolling down it’s magnificent nave, I had fond memories of watching on TV the wedding of our current monarch, Charles III, to his first wife, Lady Diana Spencer. And a short month after this visit, I would be watching an evensong service commemorating the death of Queen Elizabeth II, his mother.

On the day of my visit though, I climbed the 378 steps of the circular stone staircase within the Dome, determined to reach its lower tier, even if it meant taking a break or two along the way. Stepping out onto the Stone Gallery and seeing the breathtaking view made it all worthwhile.