The Wolseley (some people pronounce Wolsey) is an elegant brasserie serving delectable classics with a heavy Viennese influence (Wiener Schnitzel, Kaiserschmarren, coffee served with a gulp of water). It's a great place for breakfast, lunch and supper. The clientele varies considerably, from hedge fund managers doing power breakfast to tourist having afternoon tea cakes. Lunch today (day before Good Friday) was a really mix of business people, lady shoppers (before they hit Old Bond Street), tourists (round the corner from Green Park) and locals!
What was enjoyable? The ambiance - an airy, spacious and expansive hall. All the dishes are prepared well with good quality ingredients. Attentive service without overly fussy. Ah, there does not seem to be a time limit on tables.
What was not enjoyable? No bread plate. And smoky if you are unlucky to have sat next to a bunch of smokers.
Michael Levine's set design for Dialogues des Carmélites was minimalist. Actually, was there any set design? I suppose the director Robert Carsen was clever at introducing formation of human figures in many different ways to suggest the context of the opera. It kind of worked. Blanche, sung by Sally Matthews, was pretty good. Though I did find the whole work quite tedious - I think the intimate nature of the dialogues needed a small and intimate performing space i.e. not the Royal Opera House. The ending was worth waiting for. Dramatic. Poignant.
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