There’s something quietly luxurious about dining with antique tableware. It’s a charm that goes beyond age or rarity. Recently, I had the chance to visit two beautifully styled restaurants in London that reminded me just how versatile antique tableware can be. At both Agrodolce in Fitzrovia and Blanchette in Soho, antique or antique-style pieces played a central role, not only on the table but throughout the space as part of the decor.
These were not grand, formal settings. Instead, each restaurant felt current and curated, layered with small details that made the rooms feel personal and warm. It was a reminder that vintage pieces aren’t just for traditional homes or collector’s cabinets. They can feel perfectly at home in modern, stylish spaces.
Agrodolce, Fitzrovia: Quiet Elegance with a Vintage Touch
Tucked away on Charlotte Street, Agrodolce offers a refined take on traditional Roman cuisine in a calm, understated setting.
The interiors are softly lit, with dark green marble tabletops and minimal decor. What caught my eye were the antique-style plates, trimmed with delicate flowers and set beautifully on the marble.
These floral plates weren’t just for show. They were used to serve pasta, salads and desserts throughout the evening. Each dish arrived on a different plate, and yet they all worked together effortlessly. The layered look felt relaxed and thoughtful, not overly styled.
One of my favourite touches of the evening was a birthday tiramisu served in a vintage teacup and saucer, complete with a little candle. It felt playful and graceful at the same time. A perfect example of how antique tableware can be used in thoughtful, creative ways.
Even more subtle, and perhaps more inspiring, were the pieces used for decoration. A white tureen sat quietly on a deep windowsill, flanked by candles. A tall, lidded jar was placed on another ledge like a small sculpture. These weren’t just props; they looked loved, chosen, and at ease in the space.
Get the Look: From My Happy London Home
Bring a similar feeling to your home with tableware that feels layered, light and quietly beautiful. Look for gentle curves, floral details or faded patterns that pair naturally with candlelight and neutral linens.
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Blanchette, Soho: French Charm with a Playful Twist
A short walk away in Soho, Blanchette offers a completely different vibe.
Casual, eclectic and full of vintage personality. Exposed brick walls, soft lighting and mismatched furniture set the tone, but it’s the decor that really brings the space to life.
Shelves were filled with antique coffee pots, French tins, ceramic jars and vintage cookbooks. A wooden cabinet displayed vintage crockery, characterful portraits and well-loved decorative objects. Even the smallest corners felt intentional, with scenes that looked as if they had been collected and arranged over time.
There was a mix of materials and textures: enamel, worn wood, and old paper labels. These elements gave the space depth and warmth. Nothing matched exactly, yet everything belonged. The entire restaurant felt relaxed, personal and effortlessly stylish. The kind of place that makes you want to recreate the look at home.
Get the Look: From My Happy London Home
To bring this playful bistro charm into your own space, start with one or two vintage pieces. A coffee pot with character, a lidded jar with floral script, or a tin from an old French pantry. These small touches turn ordinary shelves into warm, lived-in scenes.
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Decorating with Everyday Pieces
Both restaurants made one thing clear: antique tableware doesn’t need to be saved for special occasions. A lidded sugar bowl, a painted tureen or a ceramic coffee pot can live happily on open shelving or by a sunny window. These items don’t shout. They whisper. They bring charm, warmth and a hint of storytelling to a space.
Try placing a few vintage serving pieces on a sideboard, tucking a floral dish among books on a shelf, or repurposing an old coffee pot as a vase. Not only are these ideas practical, but they also turn your storage into something beautiful.
Setting the Scene with Antique Tableware
Another takeaway from these restaurants? Food looks better on antique plates. There’s a warmth that comes from serving pasta or vegetables on something with history. A plate that might have seen decades of meals, now being used in a stylish London bistro.
Whether you're entertaining or simply cooking for yourself, serving food on antique tableware adds soul. A slightly imperfect edge, a hand-painted flower. These small details make the table feel more inviting and the food more personal.
Final Thoughts
These two restaurants reminded me that antique tableware isn’t just about nostalgia. When styled thoughtfully, it’s current, elegant and full of personality. Whether you use it to serve dinner, decorate a shelf or add a touch of charm to a quiet corner, vintage tableware brings something no modern piece can: character.
And the best part? You don’t need a full set. Mixing slightly different patterns or shapes can make your table even more beautiful. Why not create your own unique combination that feels both personal and effortless?
Restaurant Information
If you’re planning a visit to London, here are the two wonderful restaurants featured in this article:
Agrodolce
50 Charlotte Street, London W1T 2NX
Blanchette Soho
9 D’Arblay Street, London W1F 8DR