:: The Poem ::
The pin-striped Jermyn penguins / and Franco’s understand each other
Packed to the rims on a Monday / it’s all satisfied chatter and mutter
The airs of a private club / and yet everyone’s benvenuto
Almanac or Yell, a bright / “Ciao bella!”, Spritz and prosciutto?
The menu’s a journey / through space and time,
Where else can you still savour / vitello tonnato?
Sweet memories of Italy / the veal’s sublime
Un espresso! anzi / make that an affogato!
Six decades of Italian charm / Yet still a hidden gem
Here, in tempi passati / Near Palazzo Buckingham
The Sicilian royalty reigned / The ‘family’ entertained
Fuelled by copious Chianti / ne’er caught in flagranti
Downstairs safe gone / funders and fashionistas in
Sealing their deals, squeaking / enjoying their meals
Yet mafiosi keep haunting / I heard voices in the loo
’twas the chief capo, reading / Winnie the Pooh.
– By Poetry and the Feast
Franco’s Italian Restaurant
61 Jermyn Street
London SW1Y 6LX
Tel. 020 7499 2211
www.francoslondon.com
Poetry and the Feast were guests of Franco’s.
:: About The Restaurant ::
Franco’s has been serving guests all-day, from breakfast to late, for more than 60 years in the heart of St. James’s. Some believe it to be London’s first Italian restaurant. An informal bar sits side by side with the restaurant dining room, welcoming guests for a quick morning coffee, afternoon tea, an aperitivo cocktail, or a full lunch or dinner meal. The menu features all-time Italian classics as well as a popular grill section. Two private dining rooms are available for parties between 18 and 60 guests. Franco’s also offers outside catering.
