The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) has opened its Piccadilly headquarters, Bafta 195, to the public for breakfast – and it might just be one of central London’s best-kept secrets.
Mornings at Bafta 195 offer a rare opportunity for non-members – i.e. those of us who don’t work in the TV, film or video games industries – to enjoy a peaceful breakfast in central London while experiencing the institution’s day-to-day rhythms and a glimpse of the glitz associated with its annual awards.
Reservations are available on weekdays between 8am and 10.30am in the serene, light-filled Richard Attenborough rooms, with seating beneath an orangery-style domed glass ceiling or on the petite, foliage-framed terrace overlooking the St James’s Church courtyard.
“We’re always looking for ways to showcase our venue to the public,” Julian Shaw, director of Bafta 195 Piccadilly, tells Broadsheet. “Previously this has mainly been through ticketed events, but we realised that breakfast, typically a quieter time of day, would be a great time to open our doors for reservations. It’s an opportunity to engage the public with the work of Bafta, which is very well known for its awards but less so for its charity status, supporting the film, games and TV arts.”
The menu is from the academy’s longstanding executive chef Anton Manganaro, who prides himself on decades spent building strong relationships with independent British producers – as seen in his full English, served with Huntsham Court sausages and Trealy Farm bacon and black pudding.
Lighter choices such as Severn & Wye smoked salmon, seasonal fruit, buckwheat granola and Sally Clarke pastries are also available. Nevertheless, it’s Manganaro’s quirkier dishes proving the real draw. A risotto-style vadouvan-spiced kedgeree already has a cult following among Bafta members. “We thought it might be more niche,” Shaw says, “but it’s one of the most-ordered [dishes].” Meanwhile, the silken amaranth porridge with camomile-soaked prunes, caramelised bananas and almond butter is a Broadsheet favourite.
Bafta 195 Piccadilly
195 Piccadilly, W1J 9LN
Hours:
Mon to Fri 8am–10.30am
