Harden's survey result
For 25 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. This year diners have submitted over 60,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK.
Summary
“One of the last bastions of the English style of the old days” – this “time-warp” family-run hotel between Victoria and Buckingham Palace provides “the quintessential country house experience in London”, with “smartly dressed staff with many years of service” and a “hugely traditional, well-spaced interior”. It’s shot to prominence in recent years – both since the Middletons stayed here prior to the Royal Wedding and since Michelin (slightly bafflingly) awarded the “classic” British cuisine a star, although in truth the top culinary attractions are its superb breakfasts and afternoon tea (“just how it should be – comfy sofas and chairs, endless streams of sandwiches and scones, followed by dainty cakes”). But “oh dear, is it starting to rest on its regal laurels?” It took more flak this year for being “very expensive”.
Summary
“Away from the hoi polloi, and convenient for Buck Pal’”, this “splendid and unspoilt survivor” is not only “an oasis from the hustle and bustle of Victoria” but also a bastion of unchanging values: in particular its “impeccable” service “pandering to every whim”. The Michelin star bestowed on the “delightful dining room” is something of a distraction – “the food is not outstandingly good, but old-fashioned and English” – perfect for business, a “traditional British breakfast par excellence”, or “a masterclass in how to do afternoon tea”.
Summary
“Marvellously discreet” bastion near Victoria (complete with royal warrant) – “a fine example of everything old-fashioned and English”, not least its “magnificent” staff. “Superb” traditional fare is served in the “beautiful” and “civilised” dining room, with top billing going to the “breakfast fit for a queen” and “quintessential afternoon tea”.
Summary
“Class personified”; this “very grown-up” dining room, in a “luxurious” family-run hotel near Victoria, is perhaps the last redoubt of “classically English” virtues – its “superb” staff dish up such “safe” staples as “perfect” breakfasts, “unbeatable” beef Wellington and, obviously, the “best ever afternoon tea”.
Owner's description
In the luxurious setting of a five-star London hotel, The Dining Room is beautifully elegant - a place where traditional and delicious British food triumphs. The holder of its first Michelin star and three AA Rosettes, The Dining Room offers an impeccable yet fun dining experience, under the direction of Executive Chef Shay Cooper.
The Goring sources fresh, high-quality ingredients from suppliers across the British Isles, from Romney Marsh lamb to fish from the Cornish coast, as part of its commitment to serving the finest British food.
Chef Cooper and his team make fabulous use of the revered Clarence Court hens' eggs – essential for the mouth-watering Eggs Drumkilbo and indulgent lobster omelette. The Goring's forager provides a selection of truffles and wild herbs to perfectly complement each dish, and it remains one of the last London restaurants to serve roast rib of beef that’s impeccably carved from a silver trolley.
Restaurant details
The Dining Room, The Goring Hotel Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Still the place to go for good, straight-forward food and immaculate service"
"The food lived up to its Michelin Star status"
"Grand ambience, frightfully civilised, reasonable set price lunch, not quite so reasonably priced wines! The Queen's favourite restaurant!"
