Sleek, elegant and refined – London’s best luxury hotels have all the opulent services guests need, including restaurants. From established names run by celebrity chefs to rising stars just bursting onto the scene, here’s a roundup of the most creative restaurants luxury hotels in London have to offer that will have foodies swooning. .
Best for Celebrity Spotting: The Dorchester Hotel, Mayfair
If it’s eye candy you’re looking for in a restaurant, the old favorite Dorchester Hotel has recently undergone a makeover and is now the most stylish spot in town.
There are several dining options: China Tang is the popular celebrity hangout with a taste of 1920s Shanghai. Enjoy incredible Chinese cuisine in a glamorous setting amidst antiques and elegant waitresses. The Grill, meanwhile, has more classic English fare and is a great spot for a Sunday brunch where confident waiters serve fresh meat from across the joint.
However, for a truly elegant setting, there’s no way to beat the signature menu at The Dorchester, which is chaired by the famed Alain Ducasse and offers an unparalleled menu and setting that epitomizes French elegance.
Best for Fusion: St Martins Lane, Covent Garden
The modern and stylish St Martins Lane is a mix of funky retro colors and ultra-modern design by Philippe Starck. And when it comes to food and drink, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. The Asia De Cuba restaurant is as busy as it is great – be sure to reserve a table in advance or the great people of London will fill all the places quickly. Though the atmosphere is laid-back, quirky taste permeates the decor with photography, crooked lighting, and shelving, while the food is a playful mix of Asian and Latin influences.
Later, guests move on to the popular Light Bar, where multicolored lighting and huge projected images are as wacky as the cocktails. For something truly unique, you can even order a bespoke creation from the resident mixologists. For a more energetic night out, hotel guests can also choose to explore the next-door, usually members-only nightclub, Bungalow 8.
Best for Afternoon Tea: Claridge’s, Mayfair
Claridge’s is an institution in London and beyond, and it’s easy to tell why when you’re sitting in the Grand Foyer. Accompanied by violins, a classic afternoon tea here offers the kind of elegance and variety that the hotel prides itself on. Surrounded by marble floors and glamorous guests, it’s a place that attracts great-aunts and celebrities alike and is definitely a hallmark of traditional English food.
Other options here include the laid-back Reading Room, which serves contemporary cuisine, and TV star Gordon Ramsey’s flagship restaurant for a formal dining experience. Ramsey’s restaurant is an attraction in itself, thanks to modern European flavors served with exciting creativity.