DESIGNER COFFEE
Every fashion house worth its salt is opening a cafe – sadly this one ( left), located in Fendi’s headquarters in Rome and graced with a botanical installation by contemporary flower artist Makoto Azuma, is only open to Fendi employees ( fendi.com). Not to worry, though. There are plenty of places to get a fashion fix and a caffeine pick-me-up in London. Here, we share our three favourites.
1 THOMAS’S, BURBERRY
The heritage British brand, beloved for its always-fashionable trench coats, has extended its regal Regent Street flagship store to create Thomas’s, a dining room, gifting emporium and monogramming station. Its monochrome marble flooring makes it one of the most elegant places to enjoy a delightful afternoon tea, including teacakes and crumpets ‘fresh from the Aga’. 5 Vigo Street, London W1S ( burberry.com).
2 ROSE BAKERY, DOVER STREET MARKET
Take a break from perusing directional garments from the likes of Proenza Schouler, Balenciaga and other emerging London labels at Dover Street Market by pulling up a chair in the pared-back surroundings of Rose Bakery, on the top floor. We recommend a bowl of fennel soup followed by oat and maple scones with cream. Like the staff’s striped aprons? You can buy one! 18–22 Haymarket, London SW1 (doverstreetmarket.com).
3 RALPH’S COFFEE & BAR, RALPH LAUREN
Mayfair’s answer to the famed Polo Bar in Manhattan, Ralph Lauren’s newly opened café evokes the glamorous world of horseracing and the gentlemen’s clubs of yesteryear. Its dark wood panelling, banquettes made from saddle leather and walls clad in racing green billiard-table cloth – all festooned with a plethora of equestrian pictures – are classy and cosy. 173 Regent Street, London W1B (ralphlauren.co.uk).