The Best Central London Restaurants

Dulwich Picture Gallery Caf

Address: Gallery Road, Dulwich Village, SE21
Telephone:

The most beautiful small art gallery in the world, as the Daily Telegraph calls it. Dulwich Picture Gallery is England's oldest public art gallery, set in the 18th century 'village' area where houses are 'proper' houses and the air is fresh. Rembrandt, Rubens, Gainsborough... the collection is pretty special. In contrast to the room after room of paintings is the caf?. Housed in a bright glass and brick building overlooking the picturesque landscaped gardens that surround the gallery, it has a very clean, calming look - empty cream walls matched with plain palewood chairs and similar flooring. A largely local crowd of 35+ year-old television actresses and actors can be found enjoying the unhurried quiet here over a light Modern European meal such as pasta, salad, steak and sandwiches at lunchtime. Home made afternoon teas come with a free glass of bubbly. A charming place to go for some peace and seclusion. The caf? has 62 covers available for a variety of private and corporate events. A further 20 guests can be added to your list during the summer months when the doors can be opened and you're free to dine on the patio, that bit closer to the gorgeous gardens. On Mondays, when the place is closed, groups of ten or more may be able to hire the adjacent Linbury Room which seats just over a hundred people under a glass-ceiling and is usually used a reception room. Strong group menu selection. Six wines to choose from. Eager-to-please service. Wheelchair access and disabled toilets. No smoking throughout the gallery, but is permitted on the patio. Open seven days a week.