2. you ARe WHeRe you eAt
london has risen to become a culinary
star. Prepare to be dazzled. unimaginable
ten years ago - the quality and variety of
the capital's restaurants is now unparalleled.
Whatever you want, you'll find it here.
every taste is superbly catered for, every
mood met. the only problem is that age-old
one of being spoilt for choice. or how to
choose when you're not quite sure what
you're looking for.
Which is why you need this guide. it gives
you the insider's tips of all that's best when
eating out in the city. the hottest chefs.
the prettiest rooms. the best wine-list and
the most cutting-edge menus. it tells you
where to go if you want to be seen or where
to linger if you're just observing the scene.
As well as what to eat and when to eat it.
So delve in, whet your appetite and go
out to explore a truly gastronomic city.
MARk BollAnd
3. BReAkFASt you ARe WHeRe you eAt PAge 3
BREAKFAST
7:00AMâ11:o0AM
BREAKFAST
4. BReAkFASt PAge 4
BREAKFAST
7:00AM â10:30AM
ThE READING ROOM &
FOY ER I love clarIdgeâs
In london. MartIn
Is the best concIerge In the
world, the sheets are the
Most luxurIous lInen, and
the breakfast Is perfect
diAne von FuRStenBeRg, tiMe MAgAzine 2008
A magnificent Art deco setting for
a very glamorous breakfast. Perfect
for business meetings or a lazy start
to the day, service is intuitive and
impeccable, staff seem to sense when
you want them there and when
you donât! Choose from the organic
or Ă la carte breakfast menus which
change seasonally, the scrambled
eggs with toasted brioche and Sevruga
caviar is not to be missed and if you
plan to indulge later in the day the
daily baked organic sunflower toast
and apple and bilberry juice from
daylesford is a lighter option and
equally delicious.
Claridgeâs Mayfair
Breakfast hours:
Monday to Saturday 7.00 AM _ 10.30 AM
Sunday 8.00 AM _ 11.00 AM
5. BReAkFASt PAge 6 Breakfast at espelette is discreet, relaxed hollandaise is particularly good
BREAKFAST
and luxurious. the conservatory looks and the pastries, all baked on site
7:00AM â10:30AM out over Carlos Place and is at the very are delicious. Perfect for a business
heart of Mayfair village life. Choose breakfast, espelette is an oasis of
from the seasonal Ă la carte breakfast calm in the centre of Mayfair.
menu. the menu is small but unusually
diverse with a great combination of The Connaught Mayfair
traditional British favourites and lighter Breakfast hours:
international options. the poached Monday to Saturday 7.00AM _ 10.30AM
Finnan haddock with poached egg and Sunday 8.00AM _ 11.00AM
ESPELETTE
go for breakfast. Maybe
the best In london,
certaInly for the aMbIence.
stunnIng conservatory
at street level. perfect
way to start a bIrthday
zAgAt
6. BReAkFASt BReAkFASt PAge 9
BREAKFAST
7:00AM â11:00AM
ThE CARAMEL ROOM
coMbInes Modern chIc
and old school charM
to create a haven for
local fashIonIstas
and cIty hIgh-flIers
tiMe out london 2009
the Caramel Room, a favourite of the liking and the roomâs quota of impossibly
most discerning knightsbridge locals thin and gorgeous women confirms that
is both intimate and friendly and a delicious breakfast can be had without
enduringly chic. A simple, delicious risk of gaining a few pounds. A good
breakfast menu ticks all the boxes with job as the Caramel Room is just a short
indulgent, healthy and international stroll from Harvey nichols and Harrods.
options. Home-made basics make a
simple breakfast really special, try the The Berkeley knightsbridge
home-made granola and energy bars, Breakfast hours:
home-made compotes and smoothies. Monday to Saturday 7.00AM _ 11.00AM
Farm eggs can be prepared to your Sunday 7.30AM _ 11.30AM
10. lunCH PAge 16
11:00PM â3:00PM
GORDON RAMSAY AT CLARIDGEâS
one of londonâs leadIng
LUNCH
culInary attractIons,
and wIth good reason
tiMe out 2009
gordon Ramsayâs eponymous Claridgeâs Mayfair
Michelin-starred restaurant nestled lunch hours:
in the Art deco grand dame, Monday - Friday 12.00PM _ 2.45PM
a destination spot for a luxe lunch. Saturday & Sunday 12.00PM _ 3.00PM
the modern european menu uses dress Code:
the freshest seasonal ingredients, Smart, no trainers or sportswear
this is accessible fine dining, not
over complicated or conceptual.
the delicate simplicity of the steamed
Menai Straits bass stuffed with a
scallop mousse, oscietra caviar sauce,
cucumber, asparagus and apple reflects
the juxtaposition of tradition and
contemporary inspiration for which
this restaurant has become famous.
11. Seated on a sumptuous velvet banquette Claridgeâs Mayfair PAge 19
in the corner of the Reading Room, lunch hours:
next to a huge cut-marble fireplace daily 12.00PM _ 2.30PM
and underneath the black and white
photographs of the great and the good
who have frequented Claridgeâs over
the years, diners can observe what
it is that makes Claridgeâs so special.
With an eclectic mix of guests from
LUNCH
the super famous and the super rich to
the plain super, the expert staff preside
over service with a serenity rarely found
nowadays and extend the same respect
and reverence to humble diners like
yours truly. executive Chef Martyn nailâs
modern British menu is fresh, seasonal,
organic and has been cleverly devised
to provide a little of what we all want at
lunch - choice, lighter and international
options as well as out of this world
indulgences. the fillet of Aberdeen Angus
salad with peas, broad beans, tarragon
and mustard dressing and the creamed
lobster bisque with samphire and a
shrimp spring roll are not to be missed.
lunCH
12:00PM â2:30PM
ThE READING ROOM
I recoMMend & FOY ER
clarIdgeâs, as It
retaIns thIs classIc
brItIsh style whIle
beIng eQually
luxurIous
CARlA BRuni 2009
13. lunCH PAge 22
12:00PM â2:30PM
MARCUS WAREING
AT THE BERKELEY
LUNCH
we had a stunnIng Meal.
cuIsIne as haute as you can
get In london
gileS CoRen, tHe tiMeS
like some of the best things in life, lightness of touch. the staff are
Marcus Wareing seems to be getting relaxed, knowledgeable and helpful
better with age. At the helm of his and know when you want them
eponymous two Michelin starred and when you donât. the only thing
restaurant, Wareing continues to better than lunch at Marcus Wareing?
dazzle with his technically brilliant dinner at the Chefâs table.
modern european cuisine and as he
matures you can taste just how much The Berkeley knightsbridge
heâs enjoying himself in each and lunch hours: Monday to Friday
every dish. Far from being a stuffy, 12.00PM _ 2.30PM
self conscious bastion of fine dining dress code: Smart, jacket
Marcus Wareing delivers technical and shirt preferred. no jeans,
excellence with a contemporary trainers or sportswear
14. lunCH PAge 24
11:00AM â3:00PM
THE CARAMEL ROOM
In fact, stayIng at the
LUNCH
berkeley Is a bIt lIke
spendIng the weekend
In a large bentley
RuPeRt WRigHt, tHe tiMeS 2006
the Alexandra Champalimaud
designed Caramel Room at
the Berkeley feels like the
most exquisite chocolate
box filled with a selection
of knightsbridgeâs chicest
inhabitants. lunch is a
relaxed affair, the all day
dining menu caters for
every appetite and occasion.
the miso soup with silky
tofu and shitake mushrooms
and the seared tuna with
chilli seasoned daikon and
ponzu sauce are as light as
a feather whilst the delicious
Berkeley burger with fries
and all the sides is worth
every calorie. An enduring
favourite, itâs no surprise that
the Caramel Room acts as
an extension of home and
office for locals in the know.
The Berkeley knightsbridge
All day dining:
11.00AM _ 11.00PM daily
16. lunCH PAge 28
12:00PM â3:00PM
CLARIDGEâS BAR
the bar at clarIdgeâs
LUNCH
hotel. It Is the
perfect place to go
kARolinA kuRkovA, eS MAgAzine 2009
designed by david Collins, this
buzzing bar is seriously stylish.
the lunch menu is clever and
eclectic, famous for the sharing
dishes and daily changing Bento
box. diners can also indulge in
Royal Beluga, oscietra or Sevruga
caviar or the legendary english
cheese plate. Claridgeâs Bar caters
for the most demanding diners
in Mayfair and what they want,
they get. Claridgeâs famous fish
and chips are never off the menu
and the staff are happy to make
you any sandwich you would like;
is this what power tastes like?
Claridgeâs Mayfair
All day dining:
12.00PM _ 11.00PM daily
18. you ARe WHeRe you eAt PAge 33
1:00PMâ6:00PM
AFTERNOON
TEA
AFTERNOON TEA
19. AFteRnoon teA PAge 34
1:00PM â5:30PM
AFTERNOON TEA
AT CLARIDGEâS
clarIdgeâs Is one of the
Most dIvIne places on
the planet for tea
elle deCoRAtion 2008
AFTERNOON TEA
this is the english afternoon
tea of your wildest imagination.
everything is perfect, from
the glamour of the Art deco
interior to the live music
and quintessentially english
menu. Served on fine china
in bold jade and white stripes,
the sandwiches are refined,
the scones indulgent and
the pastries delightful.
As a member of the British
tea Council, they hold the
tea guildâs Award of excellence.
there is a serious selection
of teas from regional english
to rare blends and herbal
infusions. Champagne teas
and seasonal teas are available,
all in all itâs a wonder the
english ever got anything done.
Claridgeâs Mayfair
Afternoon tea hours:
daily at 3.00PM, 3.30PM,
5.00PM or 5.30PM
20. AFteRnoon teA PAge 36
1:00PM â6:00PM
PRĂT-Ă-PORTEA
a selectIon of cleverly
wrought pastrIes and
cakes look set to Make
pret-Ă-portea afternoon
tea soMethIng of a
destInatIon event
AFTERNOON TEA
WAllPAPeR 2008
Such a clever concept, the Berkeley The Berkeley knightsbridge
has created the first designer afternoon PrĂȘt-Ă -Portea:
tea. inspired by the themes and colours Served daily 1.00PM _ 6.00PM
of the fashion world, the menu changes
every six months and features couture
inspired desserts, shaped iced biscuits
and finely decorated handbag cakes.
Served on striped Paul Smith china,
the attention to detail is breathtaking,
making this a must have experience
for any self respecting fashionista.
Fashion has never tasted so good.
21. AFteRnoon teA PAge 38 AFteRnoon teA PAge 39
3:00PMâ5:30PM
AFTERNOON TEA
AT THE CONNAUGHT
the connaughtâs classy
afternoon tea, served
In the espelette
restaurant, Is a Must
AFTERNOON TEA
tHe indePendent 2009
if you are serious about afternoon tea,
espelette is a destination experience and
has been awarded membership of the
British tea Council. Served in a delightfully
pretty setting, attentive staff are happy
to help you choose from a huge selection
of teas and the tea time treats just seem
to keep coming. Highlights include the
lemon mousse, wild strawberry and
banana jelly on a sable biscuit, chocolate
cake with marinated orange in balsamic
vinegar and of course the freshly baked
scones. if tea is not your cup of tea, ask
for the hot chocolate, you will be served
a glass of piping hot milk with the finest
chocolate lollipops to stir to your perfect
chocolate intensity.
The Connaught Mayfair
Afternoon tea hours:
Served daily at 3.00PM, 3.30PM,
5.00PM or 5.30PM
22. PAge 40 you ARe WHeRe you eAt PAge 41
6:00PM â11:00PM
DINNER
DINNER
23. dinneR PAge 42
6:00PM â11:00PM
MARCUS WAREING
AT ThE BERKELEY
If all thIs sounds a
lIttle glowIng and
uncrItIcal, thereâs a
reason. Marcus wareIng
Is just that good
RiCHARd vineS, BlooMBeRg
DINNER
designed by david Collins, with two Michelin stars,
and recently voted Hardenâs top london restaurant,
Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley goes from strength
to strength. Famed for his technically brilliant French
cuisine, Wareing adds inspired twists making each
dish distinctly his own. the tasting menu is out of
this world, exciting, balanced and inventive, the pan
fried foie gras, peach, fresh almonds, honey, amaretti
and black olive is exquisite and the combination of
granny Smith apple crĂšme, spiced brioche crisps,
popcorn and salted caramel ice-cream is unforgettable.
The Berkeley knightsbridge
dinner hours:
Monday to Saturday 6.00PM _ 11.00PM
dress code:
Smart, jacket and shirt preferred,
no jeans, trainers or sportswear
24. dinneR PAge 44 Premier league dining at one dishes and modern european PAge 45
of londonâs most luxurious classics prepared from the finest
5:45PM â11:00PM restaurants, gordon Ramsay at seasonal ingredients. the Suffolk
Claridgeâs is seriously glamorous. pork belly and roasted rack
GORDON RAMSAY A whoâs who of diners have
enjoyed Ramsayâs accomplished
menu in this thierry despont
of english rose veal are simply
delicious and the puddings
are to die for, after the cold
AT CLARIDGEâS designed dining-room. Arrive
early for a pre-dinner drink
at the Fumoir Bar and let the
valrhona chocolate fondant,
mint ice-cream and raspberries,
the seduction is complete.
seduction begin. this restaurant
clarIdgeâs grand, hIgh- has a sense of occasion, and Claridgeâs Mayfair
ceIlInged dInIng-rooM
if you donât have anything dinner hours:
to celebrate then eating here Monday to Saturday 5.45PM _ 11.00PM
Sunday 6.00PM _ 11.30PM
stIll evokes 1930s joIe
is excuse enough. the menu
is confident and refined with dress Code:
de vIvre â the perfect a selection of traditional english Smart, no trainers or sportswear
settIng for a âsublIMe
dInIng experIenceâ
dARiuS SAnAi, Conde nASt
DINNER
25. grand Art deco features, sparkling international cuisine and traditional
light and a huge Chihuly light english favourites provide variety and
sculpture transform this Mayfair Chef Martyn nailâs refined manipulation
hotelâs restaurant into a magical of native produce is inspired. the lavender
space in the evening. At dinner in infused pannacotta with fresh raspberries,
the Reading Room you are perfectly raspberry compote and crystalline sugar
positioned to observe the glamorous is really excellent.
bustle of the hotel from a calm oasis
of culinary refinement. the menu Claridgeâs Mayfair
is extensive and yet refreshingly dinner hours:
simple, with a selection of popular Served daily 6.00PM _ 10.30PM
dishes using organic seasonal produce. dress code: Smart casual
DINNER
dinneR
6:00PMâ10:30 PM
THE READING ROOM & FOYER
last week I dIscovered
londonâs best kept dInIng
secret...the dInner Menu
In clarIdgeâs faMous foyer
kARen WHeeleR, tHe ReConnoiSeeuR 2009
28. dinneR PAge 52 PAge 53
6:00PM â11:00PM
THE CARAMEL ROOM
a fIrM favourIte
aMong the rIch and
faMous, not least for
Its IMpeccable staff
devAnSHi Mody, tRAvelintelligenCe.CoM
After dark, the Caramel
Room is smart and subtly
sexy. designed by new yorker
DINNER
Alexandra Champalimaud
it is as dark and rich as
its name implies. With a
thoroughly modern menu
and an international clientele
its a great place for a relaxed,
intimate dinner. the seared
scallops with vanilla beans
and star anise infused
pomegranate dressing is
delicious and the puddings
are legendary, the tanariva
chocolate mousse with
banana compote, nougat
ice-cream and caramel
sauce is very, very naughty.
The Berkeley knightsbridge
dinner hours:
6.00PM _ 11.00PM daily
dress code:
Smart casual
29. dinneR PAge 54
6:00PM â11:00PM
BOXWOOD
gordon raMsayâs CAFĂ
chIc and buzzy
eatery has an
InforMal feel, but
serves up delIcIous
conteMporary food
StAR MAgAzine 2009
new york meets knightsbridge at
gordon Ramsayâs popular upscale
brasserie style restaurant. the quirky
layout of the restaurant is charming
and Chef Stuart gillies sources
DINNER
fresh seasonal produce which
reflects a traditional British market.
this is a place to relax and enjoy
yourself, the menu is sophisticated
but never pretentious. dishes like
baked orkney scallops with hedgerow
garlic butter and braised salt marsh
lamb ensure that Boxwoodâs loyal
customers are never disappointed.
The Berkeley knightsbridge
dinner hours:
Monday to Sunday 6.00PM _ 11.00PM
Photo: Paul Raeside
30. CoCktAilS PAge 56 you ARe WHeRe you eAt PAge 57
4:00PMâLATE
COCKTAILS
COCKTAILS
31. CoCktAilS PAge 58 PAge 59
12:00PM â1:00AM
CLARIDGEâS BAR
one of the Most
glaMorous places
In town for a drInk,
wIth a brIllIantly
vIbrant atMosphere
toM AikenS, eS MAgAzine 2008
After work, those in Mayfair
who matter move to Claridgeâs
Bar. Always busy and seriously
glamorous, this david Collins
designed bar has one of europeâs
most extensive champagne menus.
With red leather seating, a silver
leaf ceiling and a green glass
chandelier you can pretend
to be admiring the decor while
enjoying the sights and sounds
of Mayfair at play. the cocktails
are impeccable and served cold
COCKTAILS
in crystal. this popular bar has
a no reservation policy so donât
arrive too late.
Claridgeâs Mayfair
opening hours:
Monday to Saturday 12.00PM _ 1.00AM
Sunday 12.00PM _ 12.00AM
Bar menu:
Served daily 12.00PM _ 12.00AM
dress code:
Smart casual
32. CoCktAilS PAge 60
4:00PM â1:00AM
ThE BLUE BAR
âI adore the blue barâ
MAdonnA
COCKTAILS
Small and exclusive, the Blue Bar The Berkeley knightsbridge
is a favourite celebrity hang out in opening hours:
knightsbridge. the lutyens blue Monday to Friday 4.00PM _ 1.00AM
colour scheme, low seating and deco Saturday 3.00PM _ 1.00AM
details scream sophistication, any risk Sunday 4.00PM _ 12.00AM
of being too grown up is balanced by dress code:
the friendly staff and great music. After Smart casual
a cocktail or two itâs easy to imagine
you could be on an ocean liner headed
for Manhattan with only a select group
of celebrities for company, no wonder
this bar has become the stuff of legend.
33. CoCktAilS PAge 62 PAge 63
11:00PM â1:00AM
ThE COBURG BAR
everythIng you could
hope for In a sMart hotel
bar, sans pretensIons.
darkly sophIstIcated and
sInfully coMfortable
tiMe out 2008
designed by Parisian india Mahdavi,
the Coburg Bar has a very special
atmosphere. At once both dark and
playful, masculine and refined, this
is one sexy space. Sink into the velvet
armchairs and admire the juxtaposition
of original fireplaces and chandeliers,
contemporary art and strong geometric
motifs. Frequented by a fascinating
mix of characters all of whom appear
COCKTAILS
to be familiar with the best things
in life and how to enjoy them.
An inspired cocktail menu features
some fabulous forgotten favourites,
sours, flips, fixes and fizzes, there really
is no better way to prepare for dinner.
The Connaught Mayfair
opening hours:
Monday to Friday 11.00 AM _ 11.00PM
Saturday to Sunday 12.00 PM _ 11.00PM
dress code:
Smart casual
34. CoCktAilS PAge 64
4:00PM â1:00AM
THE CONNAUGHT BAR
the prettIest thIng
on Mount street,
and gIven Its new
credIbIlIty as a
fashIon hub, thatâs
sayIng soMethIng
tAtleR 2009
COCKTAILS
Hidden away at the back of the exclusive vintages and limited
Connaught and with its own edition champagnes, spirits and
private entrance, this has got to be liqueurs. this is a connoisseurs
the most beautiful bar in london. cocktail menu and the staff delight
Metallics, mirrors and beautiful in helping their customers enjoy it.
lighting are employed in david
Collinsâ 21st Century interpretation The Connaught Mayfair
of the original edwardian architecture. opening hours:
the Cocktail menu reflects the Monday to Saturday 4.00PM _ 1.00AM
barâs history bringing it bang up Sunday closed
to date with innovative new twists. dress code:
Ask the barman to explain the Smart casual
35. CoCktAilS PAge 66
11:30AM â1:00AM
THE FUMOIR
the bar behInd a secret
door at londonâs storIed
hotel. candlelIght and
london lovelIes
vogue 2008
Hidden behind a door
featuring an original 1930s
lalique panel, this tiny bar
is sumptuous and seductive.
designed by thierry despont,
the decor is a rich aubergine
creating a contrast with the
gorgeous black and white
vintage photographs which
gaze down at you from
the walls. With a marble
horseshoe bar, leather seating
and low crystal lighting you
can immerse yourself in the
stylish thirties. Complete
the moment by sipping on
COCKTAILS
a cocktail inspired by the era
and served in a lalique glass.
Claridgeâs Mayfair
opening hours:
daily 11.30AM _ 1.00AM
dress code:
Smart casual
37. you ARe WHeRe you eAt PAge 70
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
EVENT DAYS
Special menus are created at each hotel for special dates:
St valentineâs day, easter Sunday, Christmas day and Boxing
day and of course, new yearâs eve. in addition there are
specially themed Afternoon teas coinciding with londonâs
social calendar such as the Chelsea Flower Show and
Wimbledon tennis championships.
MASTER CLASSES
A series of Master Classes are held at Claridgeâs during the
course of the year. Subjects include how to master the art
of afternoon tea, game cookery, champagne and carving;
even how to create your own Christmas wreath to welcome
guests in style.
PRĂȘT-Ă -PORTEA ON WHEELS
those in londonâs SW1 area can now enjoy PrĂȘt-Ă -Portea
at home or at work thanks to the ultimate fashionista biscuit
delivery service. Perched on the back of a vespa adorned
in the famous PrĂȘt colours of pistachio green and pale pink,
the fashion tea comes complete with handbag take-away
boxes packed within a bespoke handbag carrier.
DIRECTORY
For further details please visit our website or contact
the hotels directly.
maybourne.com
38. you ARe WHeRe you eAt PAge 72 you ARe WHeRe you eAt PAge 73
LOCATION GUIDE