Shopping till you’re dropping? The ladies who lunch around Knightsbridge have Gran Caffe to pick them up.

The Venue
Gran Caffe is a grand Italian café offering just what you want after a long slog shopping, and the fact that it's situated opposite Harrods means it can barely fail to be busy. It runs down one side of Basil Street, with floor to ceiling windows shedding light on an airy space decorated in rich brown, cream and orange - perhaps reflecting the chocolate and coffee specialities of the treats on offer. There’s a takeaway service from the front counter, where you can peruse the magnificent display of cream cakes and pastries. Celebration cakes can be made to your own specifications too.

The Atmosphere
Gran Caffe goes through waves of being busy. If you watch the shoppers, they come and go in shifts. Just as the traffic begins to thin out, along comes another phalanx to enjoy some sustenance. The clientele is mainly well turned-out ladies, some of a certain age, others definitely yummy mummies - a cross-section of Knightsbridge shoppers, perhaps, and all toting their carrier bags from you-know-where. There’s a nice buzz because there are always conversations going on, and since customers are there to indulge themselves, the sounds of enjoyment are all too apparent.

The Food
The all-day breakfasts (£5.90-£9.90) have bacon and mushroom dishes, eggs Benedict, Royal, Florentine or scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, plus toast, cereals, fruits, sandwiches, croissants and pastries, as well as a full English breakfast. Main meals (£9-£12.95) offer omelettes, pasta, crepes, roast chicken, roast lamb, risotto, calves’ liver, salmon, quiche and fish cakes, plus assorted salads. For a light(ish) lunch the sandwiches (£8.50-£11.95) are actually quite substantial.

Also on offer are the traditional croque monsieur (ham and cheese toasted) or the croque madame (ham, cheese and egg), a tuna club, a salmon bagel and a minute steak baguette. The toasted club sandwiches are truly tasty, with special mention going to the grilled chicken club with chicken, ham and tomato, and the BLT club with bacon, lettuce and tomato. The ingredients involved are top quality, with juicy chicken and crisp bacon on excellent multigrain bread making for a very satisfying sandwich that knocks commercially packaged sarnies into touch. These are full meals, with French fries and a generous portion of salad included.

For dessert it has to be a patisserie or the Italian ice cream. There’s a daily selection of croissants and pastries (£2-£2.60) plus all those dreamy, creamy cakes (£3.95-£4.95). There are over twenty examples, including éclairs, Black Forest cheesecake, raspberry, strawberry, lemon, apple or apricot tarts, profiteroles, millefeuille and every sort of chocolate cake. The strawberry gateau is popular and, with its light sponge smothered in layers of whipped cream and big luscious strawberries, it couldn’t be better. That is, until you’ve tried the Selva, a chocolate cake with layers of fruit, zabaglione cream and folds of chocolate on top. Totally toothsome.

The Drink
There are six reds, seven whites and three rosé wines at £14 to £29.50 a bottle. Diners can buy single glasses from £3.75 or half bottles from £7.50 and with a choice of Chardonnay, Viognier, Sauvignon, Muscadet, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chinon there’s something for all tastes and pockets. The Cuvee du Patron white or red at £15 works well with most dishes. Many customers may prefer a soft drink (juices, lemonade, milkshakes) or tea or coffee. Being Italian, Gran Caffe is noted for its excellent coffee. From the modest espresso (£1.70) to an Irish coffee (£5) via the perfect cappucino, only the best beans are used. Cafetieres and hot chocolate are also available.

The Last Word
Gran Caffe is an oasis of high class refreshments. As a port of call at any time of the day it certainly takes the edge off all that serious shopping.

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