Coffee and cones
When I first happened upon the revamped Fortnum & Mason store in Piccadilly, I practically recoiled in shock. What had they done? In their effort to modernise, all the character had been sapped out of the poor shop. A few months on and I decided to give it a second chance. To my surprise I discovered a gem. Parlour Restaurant on the first floor is a darling little ice-cream parlour, designed by David Collins (Madonna’s decorator no less) and decked out American diner style with a 50s Italian twist.
The pistachio-green chairs work beautifully with the fondant-coloured china and floor-tiles, while neopolitan-hued lampshades coordinate very nicely indeed. But it’s not just about the decor. There’s a choice of fabulous ice-cream sundaes including a few alcoholic ones and great attention is paid to presentation. My favourite touch? The mini-sized ice-cream cones served with the capuccinos in their own little holder! Absolutely adorable.
30 September, 2007 @ 7:24 pm
Mmmm… looks good! I love love love little cafes! They make life so sweet.
Fun post! :)
xo,
Kiera
1 October, 2007 @ 9:45 am
Sounds like my kind of place.
1 October, 2007 @ 3:46 pm
That looks absolutely delicious. What I wouldn’t give to be back in Europe…
3 October, 2007 @ 2:23 am
I’m curious, what does The Fountain restaurant look like now? I remember going as a small child and it actually looked like a classic soda shop (at least in memory)…then it got re-done to have an airport/nursing home/hotel restaurant vibe…so I’m hoping maybe they’ve given it a decent facelift…