How Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar Turns Coffee Into Travel

If you’ve just wandered through Somerset House’s grand exhibitions or skated beneath its winter lights, you might be craving something more than visual stimulation. What if your next London cultural stop didn’t just engage your eyes—but your palate? Just steps away, a hidden gem serves up a journey across Europe, one bite and sip at a time.

Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar, located near King’s College in London, reimagines the classic museum cafe as a destination for food lovers. Inspired by 19th-century architect Sir James Pennethorne’s European Grand Tour, the menu blends French, British, Spanish, and Italian influences into shareable plates and crafted coffee—turning every visit into a mini European escape.

A Historic Name, A Modern Menu

Nestled on the western edge of Somerset House, Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar overlooks Lancaster Square and Waterloo Bridge. The venue takes its name from Sir James Pennethorne, the 19th-century architect who helped design Somerset House itself. More than just a tribute, the restaurant draws direct inspiration from his European travels. Dishes reflect the diverse flavors he encountered, blending French elegance, British tradition, Spanish vibrancy, and Italian heartiness into a creative, travel-themed menu.

Design That Tells a Story

The cafe’s interior is as thoughtfully curated as its dishes. Floor-to-ceiling Victorian windows frame ever-changing views of London streets, inviting guests to watch the city evolve with their coffee. The color scheme combines deep blues and golds for a refined yet relaxed vibe. High ceilings, artwork, and gilded round tables add a touch of luxury, while quirky details—like a white menu illustrated with kitchen tools and fruits on unicycles—make the space feel alive with imagination. A map above the fireplace hints at Pennethorne’s global adventures, subtly tying the decor to the menu’s theme.

Coffee, Cuisine & Community

By day, the cafe serves vibrant salads, hot sandwiches, and freshly baked bread. Come evening, the focus shifts to small, shareable plates designed for sampling. A well-curated bar offers creative cocktails to pair with your meal. Right next to the main coffee bar, the Drawing Room offers a completely different experience: a bright, all-white space with black accents and wooden furniture, surrounded by mirrors and greenery. This private room accommodates up to 40 guests for bespoke events, with menus tailored by the chef—providing a more intimate, personalized take on the cafe’s adventurous spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar located?

Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar is situated on the western side of Somerset House, near Lancaster Square and Waterloo Bridge, close to King’s College in central London.

What is the inspiration behind the restaurant’s menu?

The menu is inspired by Sir James Pennethorne’s 19th-century European Grand Tour. It incorporates elements of French, British, Spanish, and Italian cuisines, reflecting the diverse flavors he experienced during his travels.

Does the cafe serve coffee?

Yes, the cafe includes a coffee bar offering specialty coffee alongside its food menu. There is also a dedicated Drawing Room space next to the coffee area.

Can I host a private event at Pennethorne’s?

Yes, the adjacent Drawing Room accommodates up to 40 guests for private gatherings. The chef creates custom menus, offering a unique dining experience different from the main cafe.

What is the atmosphere like inside the cafe?

The interior features Victorian windows, a deep blue and gold color scheme, high ceilings, artwork, and eclectic furnishings. Details like illustrated menus and a fireplace with a world map add character and a sense of adventure.

How does the evening menu differ from the daytime offerings?

Daytime service includes a variety of salads, hot sandwiches, and breads. In the evening, the menu focuses on smaller, shareable plates meant for sampling, along with a selection of cocktails.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Travel-Inspired Coffee

Pair your meal at Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar with a bag of FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright floral and citrus notes, or their Yirgacheffe for juicy berry and stone fruit layers—both single origins highlight the kind of global coffee adventure the restaurant celebrates. For a deeper profile, try their PWN Golden Mandheling, offering rich body and spicy sweetness. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.