Claridge’s, a legendary London hotel, is known for its timeless elegance. Imagine Audrey Hepburn, a tiara on her head, sipping tea and enjoying caviar blini in a luxurious setting. That’s Claridge’s – a place dripping with class, expensive carpets, top-hatted doormen, and an art deco ladies’ bathroom that makes you feel like royalty.
However, while the glitz and glamour remain, Claridge’s isn’t afraid to evolve. The main dining room has seen a revolving door of renowned chefs, each bringing their own unique vision. First, there was Simon Rogan’s experimental menu, followed by Daniel Humm’s Davies and Brook, a sibling to New York’s Eleven Madison Park. But Humm’s vegan vision, which included dishes crafted from petals, flowers, and parsnip shavings, didn’t resonate with Claridge’s.
A Simple Yet Elegant Return to Classics
Now, Claridge’s Restaurant has undergone a transformative rebirth. Gone are the avant-garde menus and multi-course feasts. Instead, it’s a straightforward restaurant with a focus on classic dishes, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Claridge’s describes its cuisine as British, and the menu is refreshingly simple yet enticing. You’ll find comforting options like steak au poivre, baked Alaska, chocolate souffle tart, and roasted Norfolk chicken. Forget fancy names and deconstructed dishes – here, you’ll find mashed potatoes and chocolate tart prepared in their most traditional forms. The most adventurous offering on the menu is the beef tartare with a confit egg yolk and bone marrow.
A Luxurious Retreat from the Culinary Cutting Edge
What makes Claridge’s Restaurant unique is not what it does, but what it doesn’t do. It doesn’t have a pretentious one-word name, it doesn’t obscure the dishes with cryptic descriptions, and it doesn’t overwhelm you with a dizzying array of sharing plates.
Instead, you’re transported back in time, surrounded by art deco flourishes and beautiful pendant lamps. You’ll admire the Calacatta violet marble and the antique brass while sinking into plush leather banquettes.
If you’re looking for a cutting-edge dining experience, Claridge’s isn’t for you. London is bursting with innovative, experimental restaurants. But Claridge’s offers a different kind of experience, one that emphasizes classic elegance and comfort.
A Feast for the Senses
A plateau de fruits de mer, a quintessential seafood platter, offers a delightful array of fine de claire oysters, fat langoustines, crab, clams, mussels, and scallops. At £45 for one person, it’s a decadent treat.
And for those who want to indulge even further, a half lobster can be added for an additional £30. The staff, with their formal service, will provide you with an assortment of tools to enjoy your seafood. While they may seem a bit intimidating, they’ll subtly ignore any faux pas you might make with the utensils.
The seafood is beautifully presented, and thanks to the small menu and rapid turnover, it’s always fresh and vibrant. It’s the perfect combination of luxury and simplicity.
A Safe Haven in Times of Change
In a world of constant change and uncertainty, many people seek comfort and familiarity. Some might find solace in the kitchen department of John Lewis, surrounded by Le Creuset ramekins. But for me, Claridge’s Restaurant is a truly safe haven.
I can imagine myself relaxing in the exquisite bathroom, handing my coat to the friendly staff, and settling in with a bowl of pumpkin agnolotti. This hearty pasta dish, with chunks of baked delica pumpkin and shaved black truffle, is a perfect example of Claridge’s elegant simplicity.
Then, I’d savor the grilled Cornish turbot with sauce nantaise, a creamy beurre blanc infused with smoked caviar. I’d pair it with buttered French beans with Meyer lemon, buttery mashed potatoes, and glazed garden carrots.
And for dessert, the baked Alaska for two, set ablaze by the staff, would be a delightful spectacle. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of change, there’s always room for a little bit of magic.
Timeless Elegance, A Modern Twist
Claridge’s may be a timeless institution, but it’s always evolving. The new restaurant, with its classic cuisine and elegant atmosphere, is a perfect example of this. I’m excited to see what the future holds for this iconic London landmark and look forward to enjoying many more meals here.
