Explore Taste Journeys at Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar in London

If you’ve just wandered through the exhibitions at Somerset House and your eyes—and maybe your ears—are full, there’s another sensory journey waiting just steps away. For visitors seeking more than visual art, Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar delivers a rich, taste-based expedition across Europe—all from a single London kitchen.

Located near King’s College in London, Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar channels the 19th-century European Grand Tour through its menu, fusing French, British, Spanish, and Italian influences into a creative, travel-themed dining experience. The restaurant is named after Sir James Pennethorne, one of Somerset House’s original architects, and draws direct inspiration from his travels across the continent.

A Restaurant Rooted in Architectural and Culinary History

Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar sits on the western side of Somerset House, facing Lancaster Square and Waterloo Bridge. Named after Sir James Pennethorne—a prominent 19th-century architect who helped design parts of Somerset House—the restaurant doesn’t just borrow his name. Its entire concept orbits around his European Grand Tour, using that journey as a blueprint for its menu. Dishes reinterpret the culinary traditions of the countries he visited, blending French, British, Spanish, and Italian elements into a cohesive, inventive menu that brings those flavors into a modern London setting.

Design That Tells a Story

The interior of Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar is as thoughtfully curated as its dishes. The space features striking Victorian-style floor-to-ceiling windows that offer diners evolving views of London throughout the day. The colour scheme leans on deep blues and golds for a refined yet approachable atmosphere. High ceilings, artwork, and gilded circular tables add layers of elegance, while small details—like a map above the fireplace highlighting Pennethorne’s global travels—reinforce the theme. Even the menu is illustrated with playful twists, such as a sommelier on a unicycle or a fruit character holding an umbrella, turning food into a visual adventure.

Menu Offerings and The Private Drawing Room

Throughout the day, the cafe serves a variety of salads, hot sandwiches, and freshly baked bread, catering to casual visitors and exhibition-goers. In the evening, the focus shifts to a more refined, small-plate format designed for sharing. Guests can mix and match bites while enjoying a curated selection of cocktails. For private events, the adjoining Drawing Room offers an entirely different atmosphere. With white walls, black and light wood furniture, large mirrors, and green accents, the room accommodates up to 40 guests and features menus custom-designed by the chef—providing an exclusive, tailored dining experience separate from the main cafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar located?

Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar is located 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 the 19th-century European Grand Tour of Sir James Pennethorne, one of Somerset House’s architects. It features a fusion of French, British, Spanish, and Italian dishes that reflect the culinary traditions of the countries he visited.

Does the restaurant have a private event space?

Yes, the adjoining Drawing Room is a private event space that seats up to 40 people. It offers a bright, elegant setting with customizable menus created by the chef for private gatherings.

How would you describe the restaurant’s interior design?

The interior combines Victorian-style floor-to-ceiling windows, a deep blue and gold colour scheme, high ceilings, artwork, and decorative elements like maps and illustrated menus to create a luxurious yet welcoming atmosphere.

What kind of food is served at different times of the day?

During the day, the cafe serves salads, hot sandwiches, and bread. In the evening, the menu focuses on small, shareable plates, along with a selection of cocktails.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for European-Inspired Cafe Fare

Pair your visit to Pennethorne’s Cafe Bar with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright floral and citrus notes, or Yirgacheffe for juicy berry and stone fruit tones—both single origins shine in light, travel-themed café dishes. For a deeper option, try FrontStreet’s Classic Blend, offering balanced chocolate and caramel tones that complement richer shared plates. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.