Daphne’s
WLC overall ranking: 55
WLC REVIEW: “Thrice married theatre agent, Daphne Rye, who discovered Richard Burton and helped Honor Blackman, founded this Chelsea institution in in 1964. The pink marble-topped bar counter is a delightful place to sip a Daphne’s martini, and even eat at, while vintage Italian 1950s Murano glass chandeliers and boldly colourful modern art adorns the walls of the dining room and conservatory of this the couth, bustling grande dame.
“The vinous selection by Naples-born general manager, Gabriele Esposito has recently been given another dimension with the help of Caprice Holdings’ Group Head Sommelier, Guillem Kerambrun.
“Overall, Daphne’s list bears a strong Italian influence to this list, marrying well with the seasonal Italian cooking. ‘However, it’s not unusual to list other countries – and would be expected by our customers,’ says Kerambrun. Hence red Bordeaux are frequently ordered, such as the Côtes de Castillon Domaine de l’A by Christine Derenoncourt, which may be paired with Head Chef, Michael Brown’s Cornish lamb with smoked aubergine, artichokes and Salsa Verde.”
