I hope by writing this, my favourite quiet luxury spot doesn’t get overrun with bloggers and influencers interfering with the smooth slow graceful service that combines a relaxed neighbourhood spot with everything simply done superbly.

I write in appreciation and gratitude not promotion or PR. And I certainly didn’t tell them. So if you choose to visit please move into the space and experience it quietly so the equilibrium here doesn’t get displaced or disrupted as so many other fantastic more well known spots have in this influencer age, when people are more interested in taking pictures than paying to enjoy the experience. (Which doesn’t help the business)

We don’t want it to change. When in Rome and all that.

You know the summer is on it’s way when the terrace opens at my favourite and if not my absolute favourite certainly the place I choose more often than not for a quick lunch, or Expresso in the morning either alone or with friends. The Walton Street Cafe.

It is a fast pace street cafe, a thriving community hub with a loyal international clientele, the kind the staff remember and treat like friends sharing local innocuous gossip, asking about upcoming and returning from holidays, children, house moves, the kind of things that make it feel warm and local. And yet the food and service feels like a very expensive boutique hotel where that’s just is what expected and delivered, nothing fake or performative just the kind of excellence that keeps the customers coming back.

They get the simple things right, freshly ground coffee you can smell from the street, freshly squeezed juices every day so sweet you imagine the chef hand picking and smelling every orange and grapefruit before agreeing with his green grocer.

The same goes for the salads and the fish which changes depending on the chef. You hear people saying what’s the fish today, and then pondering and curious, excited to see what comes. I am not a big drinker but my friends assure me whilst not an extensive list, the wine is excellent and the Walton St Cafe has a full bar with exotic tonics and mixers to compliment their spirit list.

Nothing is rushed, but the service is warm and efficient. The staff make you feel valued and important to them a very rare experience these days even in Paris the world’s hospitality and tourism capital.

I must mention the frites. For the lover of excellent pommes frites, these are possibly the best in London. Crispy on the outside, salty, a generous portion, delivered in their own basket. Whatever I order I always have a portion of these, even at breakfast. The perfect accompaniment. Breakfast will cost you around £60 for two. Lunch with dessert around £80 for two. No tipping required as service is included.

The opening hours are Monday - Saturday 9.00am to 10.00pm and Sunday 9.00am to 9.00pm. The patio closes at 6.30pm local regulations so only possible to have early dinner outside. But there’s no better spot to sit and watch the world go by, regard stylish customers come and go, eat delicious food, be looked after by the best staff than the Walton Street Cafe. Heaters and blankets provided.

Merci to everyone who makes this so special day after day for us all to enjoy the simple daily pleasures of life.