Celebrating that much loved European café culture, Papillon is the latest addition to Hotel Café Royal’s portfolio.
This elegant space – accessible via Regent Street – is just calling out for you to pop in after a heavy shopping spree.
It’s a pretty glamourous affair – think marble clad walls, extravagant window displays and counters full of patisseries so spectacular we weren’t sure if they were just for show 😉
Whilst the service is undeniably high-end, there was no pretension and more than a touch of playfulness. Our waiter gave us a cheeky wink when asking if he should bring us a second glass of Laurent Perrier, knowing full well what the answer was going to be. Speaking of which, ice cold champagne coupes are brought to the table and filled up before you and all the porcelain has been adorned with their butterfly motif – just a few of the nice touches we noticed.
Open daily from 7.30am until 11pm, you’re encouraged to pop in at any time of day. Breakfast highlights include Ibérico Ham Eggs Benedict whilst the lunchtime menu boasts healthy salads, sandwiches, quiches and a range of buckwheat crepes.
If that all sounds a bit ‘spenny, rest assured, it’s actually not. As well as individual dishes, the all-day venue offers a very good value lunch menu (2 courses for £20, 3 for £25 or 3 with a glass of champers for £32) featuring both British and French inspired dishes.
To start we had some of the best quail we’ve ever had (so often it can be overcooked, with little meat to show for itself) on puy lentils with a creamy celeriac puree. Even something as simple as Cauliflower soup had been sexed up, it’s poured into your bowl at the table. Mains were filling but light enough for lunch, we recommend the sea bream with leek and curried mussels sauce.
Whatever you choose – dessert is obligatory. Created by Sarah Barber, the hotel’s renowned and creative Executive Pastry Chef we opted for the chestnut mousse, chocolate ‘soil’ and rum ice cream with real gold leaf!! I mean, we can describe it for you but just LOOK how gorgeous it is……
Not wanting to head back to the hustle and bustle of Regent Street, we eked out a pot of fresh mint tea and pretended we were on a European mini-break a little longer.
For reservations please contact the team directly on +44 (0)207 406 3310 or via email restaurants@hotelcaferoyal.com.
