There is a new foodie trend in town, as boutique stores have started collaborating with cafes to lure shoppers in with the sweet aromas of baked treats and fresh coffee. The Duke Street branch of small coffee shop chain Fernandez and Wells, is one of these hybrids – a fashionable café that forms part of the equally fashionable Jigsaw store. F&W x the Duke Street Emporium (a space that boasts an eclectic mix of high-end Jigsaw fashion, books, magazines and art installations) is an excellent stop for tasty sarmies and great coffee (roasted by Has Bean), especially when your retail therapy has you building up an appetite. It’s also a handy spot for grudging partners to wait out a shopping excursion.
The décor at this wine bar / deli / coffee shop is minimalist, with black metal tables, lots of light and whitewashed walls – so the heaps of sandwiches and the massive selection of bite-sized cakes can really take centre stage.
Fernandez and Wells might sound like the moniker of a law firm or finance conglomerate, but is, alas, named after the two founders, and, found in most of the trendy hotspots in London, a far cry from any stuffy corporate feels.
On my visit to the café for a morning meeting, I opted for their veggie omelette, perfectly fluffy and filled with many an asparagus spear, heaps of feta, and a generous drizzle of fresh herby dressing. This delightful concoction sat atop a perfectly toasted slice of sourdough bread that was smothered in butter. Many good things have been said about their sandwiches, as well as the ample array of sweet treats, baked goods and nibbles on offer. Will need to come back for those…
55 Duke St, Mayfair, London W1K 5NR
Photo cred: Jigsaw