CAFÉ 22 REOPENS ON NORTH AUDLEY STREET WITH FRENCH CLASSICS, MARTINIS & A NEW LOOK
September 2026
Photo Credit: The Twenty Two
Café 22 has returned with a distinctly more relaxed mood. Overseeing the reopening is Guillaume Glipa, whose résumé includes some of London's most fashionable addresses, and the intention here is clear: a restaurant with the polish of Mayfair, but the easy charm of a Parisian neighbourhood café. It is the sort of place designed for lingering - over lunch that stretches into the afternoon, a late brunch or an aperitif that turns into dinner.
The new entrance on North Audley Street sets the tone, opening into a softly sophisticated dining room of rich, earthy shades, pale neutrals and understated Art Deco touches. There is a certain Parisian nonchalance to it all, making Café 22 feel smart without being stiff and glamorous without becoming overworked.
Adding another layer of character is the restaurant's artist in residence, Moroccan painter and sculptor Mahi Binebine. His striking works, curated by Polly-Anna Monckton of ACA Galleries, bring colour, texture and a sense of culture to the room, creating an intimate gallery-like backdrop to the dining experience.
Photo Credit: The Twenty Two
The food follows a similarly classic sensibility. French cooking provides the inspiration, with dishes such as whole grilled sea bass with crispy potatoes and sauce vierge sitting comfortably alongside a selection of familiar favourites. Desserts are wonderfully nostalgic, with Apple Tarte Tatin, Crème Brûlée and Profiteroles providing plenty of reason to save room.
At weekends, brunch takes a more indulgent turn, with a warm lobster roll and French fries alongside Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame. And then there is the Martini trolley, which glides through the dining room with a little old-school theatre, while the cocktail list brings French classics into the Mayfair setting, from Champagne cocktails to a twist on the French 75.
Open seven days a week, Café 22 is shaping up as a place for both occasion and habit - somewhere to drop into for a drink, settle down for lunch or make an evening of it.
Café 22, 43 North Audley Street, Mayfair, W1K 6DT
