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December 2018: from April 2018, there will be a second restaurant at The Goring, a more casual alternative to The Dining Room. Top chef, Cornwall's own Nathan Outlaw will run the as-yet un-named restaurant.
Harden's survey result
Summary
For a “quintessential English experience” in London, it’s hard to beat this “wonderful family-owned and managed hotel in the heart of Victoria and its marvellous dining room”. “Perfect, courteous and caring service” is at the heart of a formula which feels like “a trip back to yesteryear” and which is “class personified”. As such, though not at all corporate, it’s “a first-rate way to wow potential clients (especially Americans!)”, backed up by luxurious traditional cuisine that’s “old school and all the better for it”. There’s also a “fascinating wine list, with many entries chosen personally by Mr Goring on his travels”. This is also the location for “the most civilised breakfast in London”, and there’s a “marvellous, sumptuous afternoon tea served in the opulent lounge at the Goring: enveloping cosy chairs, fine china, an extensive selection of teas, sandwiches, scones and the prettiest of cakes, plus Champagne options. A total treat best saved for special days”.
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”.
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
"first class on all levels. hard to beat. never seems crowded, even when full. lobster omelette and chips a firm favourite"
"Standards done to a very high mmmm standard. Prices are creeping upwards, though."
"Best place in London to have a quiet business dinner."
"A return and, quite unexpectedly, the great has got better."
"Still a good place to visit but a little stuffier nowadays"
15 Beeston Pl, London, SW1W 0JW
Opening hours
| Monday | 7 am-2:30 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am-2:30 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am-2:30 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am-2:30 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Friday | 7 am-2:30 pm, 6 pm-10 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am-10:30 am, 6:30 pm-10 pm |
| Sunday | 7:30 am-2:30 pm, 7 pm-10 pm |
