Claridge’s, the iconic London hotel, is a place where time seems to stand still. Elegance and luxury seep from every corner, from the plush carpets to the top-hatted doormen and the art deco ladies’ bathroom. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a bygone era, a time when Audrey Hepburn graced its halls with her refined charm.
But beneath its timeless exterior, Claridge’s remains a constantly evolving institution. Over the years, the hotel’s main dining room has been a stage for some of the culinary world’s most celebrated chefs. Simon Rogan’s avant-garde Fera restaurant and Daniel Humm’s Davies and Brook, a sibling to New York’s renowned Eleven Madison Park, have both occupied the space, each bringing their own unique flair and culinary vision.
A New Era of Simplicity
Now, Claridge’s has taken a bold new direction, shedding its experimental past and embracing a simple, yet sophisticated approach. The restaurant has been reborn, reimagined as a straightforward eatery serving classic British dishes with a modern touch.
Gone are the avant-garde creations and deconstructed plates that defined its recent past. Instead, the new menu boasts comforting classics like steak au poivre, baked alaska, and chocolate souffle tart. Even the mashed potatoes are given their rightful name, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to straightforwardness.
A Celebration of Timeless Elegance
The new Claridge’s Restaurant is not about culinary fireworks. It’s about enjoying the timeless elegance of the surroundings, the exquisite ambiance, and the refined service.
Imagine yourself seated on a plush leather banquette, surrounded by art deco flourishes and fabulous pendant lamps. The Calacatta violet marble gleams beneath the light, while antique brass accents add a touch of vintage charm. A bowl of pumpkin agnolotti arrives, its hearty, sunset-shaded pasta topped with delica pumpkin and shaved black truffle. The grilled Cornish turbot with sauce nantaise is another highlight, its buttery sauce laced with smoked caviar.
There’s a sense of tradition here, a reverence for the classics. Claridge’s is not about reinventing the wheel, but about perfecting the timeless. It’s a place to savor the moment, to indulge in the simple pleasures of good food and exceptional service.
A Place to Retreat from the World
In a world of constantly changing trends and culinary experimentation, Claridge’s stands as a beacon of stability. It’s a place to escape the hustle and bustle, to retreat from the noise, and to simply enjoy the moment.
It’s a place where the food is good, the company is great, and the atmosphere is truly special.
This article was amended on 25 November 2023. An earlier version had its fauna and flora mixed up. This has been corrected.
• Claridge’s Restaurant Brook Street, London W1, 020-7629 8860. Open lunch, all week noon-2.30pm (3.30pm Sun); dinner, Mon-Sat, 6-9.30pm (last orders). From about £80 a head a la carte, plus drinks and service
• The 10th episode in the new series of Grace Dent’s Comfort Eating podcast is released on Tuesday 28 November. Listen to it here. Her new book of the same name is published by Guardian Faber at £20; to order a copy for £17, visit guardianbookshop.com
