Words: Huma Baig
BicesterΒ Village is a small township ofΒ approximately 160 single-storey luxuryΒ boutiques of world-famous brandsΒ and isΒ about aΒ 45-minute direct train journeyΒ from Londonβs Marylebone station.
These retail outlets offer savings of up to 60Β percent on the recommended retail price all year round. With countless coachesΒ arriving every moment and over 1,000 free car parking spaces, the Village serves as aΒ magnet for those looking for a retail therapy fix.Β
To match the designer labels running the length and breadth of this outlet shoppingΒ centre is an elegant and sophisticated,all-day,grandΒ dining space; CafΓ© Wolseley.Β ThisΒ fineΒ eateryΒ in OxfordshireΒ is a cafΓ©-come restaurantΒ with a take-awayΒ patisserieΒ and coffeeΒ counter;as well as an adjoining retail shop showcasing a tempting arrayΒ of shiny Wolseley branded gifts such as, silverware, artisan teas and luxury chocolateΒ truffles.Β
Set up by Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, it follows the sameretro-Euro glamorous interiors and classic cuisine as their iconic flagship restaurants in central London, like; Colbert on Sloane Square,a nd The Ivy near Leicester Square. TheΒ double-volumeΒ vaulted ceiling, striking black and white chevron floor and a large clockΒ in front of shiny black polishedΒ furnishings create a theatrical environment.Β
Greeted byΒ impeccably attired waitresses and waiters, itβs impossible not to adore the grandeurΒ of CafΓ© Wolseley.Β Serving breakfast from 8.30am, followed by lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, theΒ all-dayΒ menu features classic dishes liketartes flambΓ©, a choice of pastas andΒ healthyΒ seasonal salads.
The desserts are traditional and includeΒ the likes ofΒ yoghurt iceΒ cream with lemon curd and whipped cream and a pistachio tuile.Β
Halal chicken isΒ available,as well as vegan and gluten free options.Β Dinner for two will set you back approximately Β£100 with a 12% discretionary serviceΒ charge, but indulging in thisΒ piece of luxury, visitors do feel spoilt in this classyΒ restaurant. It is advisory to book a table beforehand as the queues are oftenΒ quiteΒ longatthis popular eatery.Β
All in all, the classy CafΓ© Wolseley is full of atmosphere and hasΒ something for theΒ transitional eaters after a day of shopping, as well as the fine diners looking forΒ something special.
The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.
