Harden's survey result
Summary
A prime power-dining scene of yesteryear (where Lady Thatcher and her favourite tycoon, Lord Hanson would wine and dine in the 1980s), this panelled Art Deco chamber just off the foyer of the famous hotel remains a favourite with expense-accounters: “it’s definitely a restaurant to take guests who need impressing, with lovely, well-spaced tables and banquettes”. Run by Gordon Ramsay for most of the 2000s, its “first-class” traditional cooking is “wonderful” according to fans, but even they acknowledge that “it does seem to be overpriced for what it is”, and for a large band of critics it “doesn’t really deliver on its promise”. Top Menu Tip – “excellent Beef Wellington”.
Summary
“Always a place to impress your business guest” – this famous chamber (one of Lady Thatcher’s favourites back in the day) has “sufficiently widely spaced tables to encourage discreet conversation” and the Art Deco elegance of its surroundings has, by and large, survived its recent ‘Gatsby’ makeover. It’s had its ups and downs under the Gordon Ramsay group’s long (20+ years) tenure here and is not in a purple period currently. Much of the problem is “ludicrous prices”. Those on expenses do acclaim “the iconic Arnold Bennett soufflé, the deeply satisfying Cote de Boeuf to share (if your guest is a meat eater: if not point him/her in the direction of the steamed turbot) and the magnificent Beef Wellington” but even they acknowledge “the bill is serious”. Those paying their own way are more inclined to feel: “it used to be a favourite, especially for that special occasion, but the mark-up on the wines in particular have become a rip-off”.
Summary
A two-month closure facilitated a ‘Gatsby makeover’ this year at this elegant and famous grill room, which for the last 20 years has been part of Gordon Ramsay’s culinary empire. (It now incorporates a chef’s table, and a walnut wood-lined wine experience room for eight). With its Beef Wellington, Dover Sole and Lobster Thermidor – plus also a selection of steaks from now de rigueur charcoal grill – fans say it’s “superb all round for celebrating that special occasion”. Doubters, though, continue to focus on its “extortionate prices and very uninspired menu in this newly redecorated Art Deco space”.
Summary
In Thatcher’s day, this was London’s power dining scene par excellence, and this “luxurious, opulent and dark” panelled chamber, just off the hotel foyer, remains “a fabulous room”, especially in which to do business. Run by Gordon Ramsay since 2003, it has ploughed a safe-if-unexciting culinary course in recent times, focused on classics such as Beef Wellington and Lobster Thermidor, with results being consistently decent, if unexceptional. But reports this year took a dive due to concerns about the very poor level of value. Even a positive account hailing “outstanding Arnold Bennett soufflé starters and a superb all-round experience” noted that “the eye-watering bill makes it one just for a special occasion”. For more sceptical souls, “the food is fine, but certainly not worth the price tag put on it”. In particular, critical wine buffs feel the “list is borderline robbery, with incomprehensible mark-ups that seem extreme even for the capital… and unfortunately there aren’t as many oligarchs around now daft enough to pay such prices!”
For 34 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at The Savoy Hotel, Savoy Grill?
Strand, London, WC2R 0EU
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £57.00 | £64.00 |  |
|
|
| Pretheatre | £57.00 | £64.00 | |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £24.80 | £97.00 | £18.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £0.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £0.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 15.00% |
Strand, London, WC2R 0EU
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑3:15 pm, 5 pm‑12 am |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑3:15 pm, 5 pm‑12 am |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑3:15 pm, 5 pm‑12 am |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑3:15 pm, 5 pm‑12 am |
| Friday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑12 am |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑11:30 pm |
Best British, Traditional restaurants nearby
British, Traditional restaurant in Covent Garden
British, Traditional restaurant in Covent Garden
British, Traditional restaurant in Covent Garden
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
French restaurant in Westminster
French restaurant in Fitzrovia
British, Modern restaurant in Clapham
