Breakfast at Zobler's

Jones has partnered o n this project with Andrew Zobler, CEO of North American hotel chain, the Sydell Group. Zobler was determined that the Ned — named after the nickname Lutyens went by — would offer a New York-style deli. Zobler never expected it to be named in his honour, but he took such a large role in ensuring its authenticity, Jones kept referring to it as Zobler’s Deli and the name stuck.

The old lady banking hall is a temple of taste. Soaring columns delineate the huge area. Jazz plays at a tasteful level and City-types hold discussions in hushed tones. If I was local I’d come here to work at my laptop — and perhaps pop down to Cheeky’s nail bar for a manicure or to the in-house gym or spa. I could move every couple of hours to a new dining area — from Jewish deli to French café to Asian poke restaurant to an outpost of Cecconi’s, to name just a few.

 

Zobler has vetted the challah and bagels — all of which are supplied by none other than the lovely Challah Queen, Tami Isaacs Pearce. I picked a Lower East Side bagel —smooth cream cheese, salty lox, sliced tomatoes, crunchy rings of red onion and a scattering of tiny, tart capers and aromatic dill.

Coffee is poured in chunky mugs branded with the Zobler’s cartoon fish.

The waitress brought over a pile of mini Danish which I took back to the JC office for my fellow fressers to enjoy.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a moment of luxurious calm.