3 /5 Travelling Doc: Francatelli is located within St James’s Hotel, one of The Leading Hotels of the World, tucked just off St James’s Street. It’s within easy walking distance of St James’s Palace, with Green Street and Jermyn Street nearby. You enter through a small concierge lobby laid with red carpet, which immediately sets an expectation of refinement.
We have visited this space several times in the past when it operated as William Drabble, a former Michelin-starred restaurant. Since the change of ownership, however, we hadn’t returned until spotting a Travelzoo deal offering a three-course lunch with a glass of Prosecco for £30. On arrival, it became apparent that the only additional benefit of the voucher was the Prosecco, as the standard lunchtime menu is already priced at £30.
The hotel bar, located to the left on entry, is stylish and adorned with beautiful paintings. The restaurant is straight ahead. Unfortunately, the initial welcome was poor. We waited far too long at the maître d’ station before being acknowledged, largely because there was only one member of staff responsible for both greeting guests and serving tables. This delay set the tone for what would be a consistently underwhelming service experience.
Without intending to be judgmental, the server had noticeable body odour, which was extremely unpleasant given the proximity required during service. In addition, the manner of service was overly familiar and far too casual for a restaurant of this calibre and setting.
When presenting the Travelzoo voucher, the server announced it loudly rather than discreetly. This happened at several tables, making it obvious who was dining on a deal, which felt inappropriate and uncomfortable. The lack of discretion and the casual demeanour of the server detracted significantly from the experience.
The Prosecco itself was poorly poured—barely half a champagne glass—which came across as stingy and disappointing.
Interior
The dining room is modern and attractive, featuring olive-green banquette seating with cushions, floral wallpaper throughout, beautiful carpets, and artwork that adds warmth and character.
Service Charge
A 15% service charge is automatically added to the bill, which in this case was not reflective of the service received. Water is also overpriced at £5.20.
Food
Starters
• Pumpkin and chestnut soup: Sweet, comforting, and well-executed. The crème fraîche added balance, and it paired nicely with the sourdough bread (£4.50 for four slices with butter).
• Saucisse de Morteau with warm potato salad and grain mustard dressing: A very simple dish—essentially sausage and mash with mustard. Pleasant enough but basic and easy to execute, lacking refinement.
Mains
• Caramelised salmon with endive tarte Tatin and red wine jus: The salmon was slightly overcooked, but the highlight was the onion tarte Tatin—beautifully caramelised with crisp pastry. The salmon skin was perfectly crispy, and the sauce tied the dish together well.
• Ballotine of chicken with wild mushrooms: Beautifully presented with crisp skin, but the filling itself was rather bland and lacked depth.
Desserts
• Soaked savarin sponge with vanilla crème montée: Nicely presented, reminiscent of a rum baba but without the rum. Light, elegant, and enjoyable.
• Francatelli’s hazelnut cake with amaretto ice cream: Excellent. Crisp textures, rich flavour, and a sauce that was particularly impressive. It evoked the flavours of a Ferrero Rocher—minus the chocolate coating.
Overall Impression
The food at Francatelli is above average, with some genuinely good dishes. However, the service is inadequate for a restaurant of this standard, particularly given the setting and automatic 15% service charge. Poor staffing levels, lack of professionalism, overpriced water, and the miserly Prosecco pour significantly detract from the experience.
I wouldn’t return specifically for a Travelzoo deal. If I were to come back, it would be purely for the food—but only if the non-food elements, especially service, were seriously improved.
