St James's Café

Food for all times of day

The kitchen does breakfast until 11.30am, then hot dishes such as burgers, fish and chips and fresh pasta. If you'd rather eat on a bench or the grass, salads, sandwiches and cakes are available to take away until closing. Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary needs are catered for.

The setting

The view is the point. The café looks across St James's Lake towards the fountain, and the park's pelicans, here since a Russian ambassador gave some to Charles II in 1664, are often close by. It's a calm spot in the middle of ceremonial London, with Buckingham Palace at one end of the park and Horse Guards Parade at the other. Statues of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and the white marble Boy Statue are among the park's other sights within a short stroll.

When to go

Opening hours run longer in summer and shorter in winter, with the kitchen closing an hour before the café. Mornings are good for a quiet breakfast before the crowds arrive for the Changing the Guard; late afternoon in summer is good for a drink by the water. Dogs are welcome if kept on a short lead.

Highlights

• Lake and fountain views in St James's Park
• Breakfast until 11.30am
• Hot dishes plus takeaway options
• Dogs welcome on a short lead

Good to know

• Hours are seasonal, longer in summer and shorter in winter; closed Christmas Day.
• The kitchen closes an hour before the café.
• Card payments accepted; cash only at specific tills.
• Dogs must be on a short lead.

Frequently asked questions