Kettner's occupies four interconnected Georgian townhouses on Romilly Street, presenting a discreet facade that blends right into the bustle of Soho. The building’s history goes back to 1867, when it opened as one of London's first French restaurants under Auguste Kettner, Napoleon III’s former chef, and it quickly gained a reputation as a discreet meeting spot for figures like Oscar Wilde and King Edward VII.
Inside, the noise of the neighborhood gives way to a calm, low-lit space. The main restaurant and bar have a Versailles-meets-1930s-brasserie look – think marble tabletops, plush seating, and light from candelabras, with a live piano often playing in the background. The building now operates with a split personality under the Soho House brand. While the ground-floor restaurant and Champagne Bar are open to the public, other areas are reserved for members, which keeps the public spaces feeling accessible but still exclusive.
The restaurant menu pays tribute to its origins with classic French cuisine. You’ll find dishes like cheese soufflé and Cote de Boeuf, with prix fixe options available for lunch and dinner. The dedicated Champagne Bar handles drinks and can also be hired for private events by non-members.
Upstairs, 33 bedrooms are done up with antique furnishings and a 1920s-inspired decor. They range from compact 'Tiny' rooms to the large Jacobean Suite, which has its own private entrance directly from the street. The whole place functions as a quiet retreat, with the small cafe often used for meetings during the day.
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Kettner's