It’s almost a shame to blow the cover on Cafe Consort as the last thing this place needs is to be spoilt by crowds. However, enjoying a delightful lunchtime concert in the Royal Albert Hall all for the price of lunch is a simple pleasure we can all afford.

The Venue
Situated on the first floor of the Royal Albert Hall, lunch at Cafe Consort is as much a treat for the ears as it is for the tastebuds. On many selected dates throughout the month they hold an event called Ignite, a series of musicians playing a lunchtime concert in the cafe. Although open for breakfast (from 8.30am) and in the evenings too (from 5pm), during the day the cafe-dining room is a beautiful light and airy space set in one of London’s most iconic venues. Guests are swept up the staircase to the first floor and welcomed by a large counter displaying a wide range of beautiful cakes and fancies (supplied by Sally Clarke’s bakeries). This then leads through into one of two large dining areas. The decor is simple but stylish with a plump red-velvet banquette following the telltale arc of the auditorium. Looking above, the inside wall is embellished with a backlit red velvet pelmet giving you no doubt of your theatrical location.

The rest of the cafe is quite understated in white and muted colours save for the glorious views from the huge Victorian windows. Set high in the ceilings above there’s a display of fancy designer lighting, which is meant to represent a DNA helix but looks ominously like a collection of dental mirrors. In the corner of the first dining area is a small stage, backlit by the natural sunlight where the cafe hosts live music, a constantly changing selection of up and coming jazz and folk musicians.

The Atmosphere
Currently, select Fridays play host to a number of well-respected musicians who give a free hour and a half’s concert to the cafe’s guests. Unlike other events held here you do not have to book a table and the music is complimentary. Although Friday lunches are busy Sundays are even busier – there’s also music, and booking is recommended. For £28.50 you get a Sunday brunch menu, a glass of Champagne and a guaranteed seat. Prior to the music, the ambience is filled with lively chatter as many of the guests are regulars, yet it doesn’t feel cliquey in any way. Most of the clientele are residents from in and around London, however there are usually a handful of lucky tourists who hit the jackpot. The staff are very friendly but can be little confused, making the service a bit hit and miss.

The Food
The lunchtime menu here is fairly restrictive with just a handful of options, however mostly it’s perfect for a light lunch. Each day there is a special lunchtime dish and Friday’s is a pretty impressive fish pie with mushy peas (£9.50). Chunks of firm white pollack and deliciously salty smoked haddock arrive in a nice creamy sauce and topped with a fresh herb and leek mashed potato. It comes with a small dish of mushy peas, however with the floury mash and the creamy sauce it’s a bit of a texture overload which perhaps might be more suited to fresh garden peas of even some sprightly young spinach. The spring salad with herb grilled chicken (£9.50) is perfect for lunch. Baby plum tomatoes and segments of zesty orange are scattered among crisp, fresh salad leaves. Topped with a succulently grilled chicken breast, fresh herbs and served with two generous slices of sundried tomato focaccia bread, gives a filling edge to this light salad. If you’re after something a little lighter there’s a selection of freshly-toasted paninis available from the Ignite special menu from £3.95.

For dessert you can to choose from the fine pastries and fancy cakes available. The frosted cupcakes are a steal at £1.50 each and are a delicious flashback to the Seventies. Gorgeously soft, buttery sponge is topped with a sugary sweet frosting and decorated with a host of retro sweeties. Pink shrimps, coconut mushrooms and mini marshmallows complete this picture-perfect sugar-fest. For those feeling slightly less indulgent, try the mini macaroons (£1.50 for three) which are just as glorious. For those wanting the concert hall experience, you can also choose a mini-tub of Haagen Dazs (£2.75) complete with wooden spatula.

The Drink
Cafe Consort offers a very nice and surprisingly reasonable selection of wines, beers and coffees. However, rather disappointingly the coffee is from Starbucks, served in Starbucks-branded mugs and the latte (£1.95/£2.35) is weak and wholly unimpressive. On the other hand, the wines are pretty good value considering the location. A nice glass of South African cabernet merlot is smooth and a very palatable £3.95/£5.35 (175ml/250ml glass). Most glasses of wine are less than £5 and you’ll be hard pushed to spend more than £25 on a bottle, with most coming in under £20. There’s a small selection of beers (all at £3.90) including Old Speckled Hen and Asahi.

The Last Word
Cafe Consort is a surprising little gem situated in one of London’s most iconic buildings. For a great atmosphere, fantastic music and some well priced, good quality food it should be high on the must-do list for both visitors and residents alike. Recommended.

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