Claridges

*** 700^th Review***
With another milestone of reviews comes something amazing that as a tea lover like myself, it is well deserved.
If you ever want to experience genuine fancy tea where you are expected to dress up for the occasion and use a few hours to eat fancy tea sandwiches and treats, have I found a place for you in the Mayfair, London area. Most ⁴⁄₅ Unilocal reviews are legit there: this place makes you feel special. So special… I had to make reservations months in advance prior to my London trip to ensure that I got a reservation. No joke!
The service that we had was impeccable… to the point that as Americans, we didn’t know some protocols such as don’t reach for your tea… they have staff to do it you, period. Oops! And the food here keeps flowing and flowing… to your choosing. If you have a particular tea sandwich that caught your taste buds, the staff here was more than happy to bring out some more to our hearts content. Hmmm. for which one that stood out? I would say, personally, the chicken salad and smoked salmon tea sandwiches were ones I kept asking for a bit more. Of course, there’s more to the description of the sandwiches I pointed out in their PDF menu located on their website prior to making a reservation, so please review what their menu consists of.
BUT…the desserts treats were the shining stars of the whole 2 – 3 hours eating experience. I don’t know the exact name of the particular pastry, but this banana cream filled dome of delishiousness was something that my husband and myself could not stop eating or talking about that the staff was more than gracious to have us take one home as a treat :). Oh, it’s an afternoon tea experience, so how can I forget about mentioning the tea? Their selection of tea is based on the part menu you are eating and gives recommendations of which tea pairing. I followed our wait staff’s suggestions and was more than pleased.
Overall…this is as close to luxury afternoon tea as this gal is ever going to experience and trust me, I’ve tried a ridiculous amount of tea places prior to even Unilocal was invented. You feel like royalty when you enter the building and when you see Russian ladies walking around in real mink coats just to powder their noses in the ladies room, uh yea… it’s about money at place and eatery.

This review is long overdue, but better late than never! I’m from the States and when my friends and I landed in London, (in late May) we came straight here. A friend had recommended this place to us and we had to come check it out. When we arrived, they were able to make arrangements for us and open up a table so that we can experience the amazing afternoon tea.
Thank you so much to the lovely, knowledgable staff for a great experience at a beautiful place!

Seriously this is really is good as it gets. Proper luxury. The room was lovely and big. Bed was amazingly comfortable. Nice deep bath. It was just amazing. We had a couple of massages too, which was pure delight. Can’t recommend this place enough.

Staff put 100% into making every part of my stay perfect. Met up with friends for drinks couldn’t have been more perfect. Love, love this place great for meeting people from all over the world. Made some great friends here in the Foyer, dinner drinks and fun. Amazing romm to room you feel like a part of history as you Rome around, the Reading Room so plush. If you can do

this place is excellent, with pristine serves and employees who are willing to put in 110% effort to deliver you outstanding service. customers always comes first, being treated with utmost respect and also with each other, which is hardly seen anywhere else. employees here are working happily, and a friendly work environment motivates the employees to do their best. the food here is delicious, they are willing to go the extra length to get what a customer orders. the presentation of the food is always perfectly place to compliment each of the ingredients used.

Afternoon tea was an experience.
When we walked in, we were greeted and the gentleman gave us the best advice — don’t go crazy on the sandwiches as there will be more food than you can ever imagine. We were then escorted to the reading room, and asked for the champagne afternoon tea.
Each of the sandwiches were well-​prepared, but my favorite had to be the Severn & Wye smoked salmon, brown shrimp butter & rock samphire on rye bread. I had two helpings of those (then had to stop because I remembered the advice I was given). Oh, and the raspberry & yuzu choux pastry was YUM — so were the rest of the desserts.
Even for my other half who was lactose-​intolerant, there was a wonderful set that was prepared — and was equally amazing. I had forgot that I had noted during booking that it was our anniversary, and they brought up another plate just for us.
To sum up the advice.
— Book early. I booked about 2 – 3 months in advance.
— Don’t go crazy on the sandwiches, because there will be LOTS of food.
— Pace yourself and enjoy the surroundings.

I had afternoon tea in the Reading Room at Claridges last Saturday 15^th September. What a stunning place in central London. It was my friend Miriam’s 40^th birthday. There were five of us. We had excellent service — very friendly and professional. The menu we chose was sandwiches, cakes, tea. All speciality. They gave us a choice of every kind of bread and I had rye. The fillings were delicious and they’ll suit every diet. Tea from every part of the globe and the best coffee. The cakes were stunning, miniature with great quality chocolate. The setting is Art Deco with beautiful flower arrangements everywhere — long tall lilies in enormous glass and crystal vases. There’s also live piano in the background. Very subtle lighting throughout.
We had a wonderful time. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

This review is only for the afternoon tea at Claridge’s.
Food (1 star):
The sandwiches were very bland and too simple for my tasting. At 50gbp I was expecting sandwiches that would blow my mind. The sad part is that my bridesmaids made tastier sandwiches at my bridal shower than the ones I tried here. I had the earl grey rare tea and that was decent in taste. The pastries were the worst… the only thing that had flavor were the fresh raspberries on the pastry.
Ambiance (2 stars):
The tea set was too whimsical for me and I was expecting nicer things.
Service (1 star):
Our server was attentive in the beginning but then she went missing and eventually someone else had to take over but still took too long to come back with a new set of tea leaves or sandwiches.
Overall, do not waste your money here on things you can definitely DIY.

Claridges for late afternoon drinks is itself the definition of fun. The hotel, I’d rate differently (old style, low tech and go see my Trip Advisor rating).
Late afternoon drinks, is to see a wash of money coming in and out from around the World. Staff is gracious to the point where if your host is taking another call, Staff will discreetly offer you another serving of Champagne or engage you in silly banter so you are distracted.
I have lost many afternoons there.
The night scene is altogether different. There are other places and in fact, gets a bit sordid.
But somewhere between 4 –7pm, Claridges will always own my drink.

No better treat than breakfast at a good old-​fashioned five star hotel, even if it is for a business do. It’s just great to be exposed to really great service, so subtle you barely know it’s there, no request is too much of an ask.
And all in the most beautiful surroundings. Somehow all hotels of this heritage and price range look a bit the same, as if you walk onto the set of an episode of an Agatha Christie story. Claridge’s is particularly stunning with its art nouveau features.
The breakfast buffet was arranged beautifully and every item looked delicious. I only tasted the fresh fruit and Danish pastries, but even those simple items were just that little bit more perfect. I love the idea of afternoon tea here and hope to return soon.

Another place you should put on you bucket list but one you may not return to a million times.
Typical old British restaurant. This is an establishment and if you want to taste how the other half live, come and be waited on here. I’ve been a few times with friends and more formal occasions — every time a steady performance.

3 WORDS… GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL! This property’s best years were years and years ago. My go to hotel in Mayfair is The Connaught, a sister property of Claridges. The Connaught was completely booked and I thought, «It’s a sister property, storied history and reputation, how bad could it be?» The better question would have been, «How wrong could I be in making that assumption?» Claridges is quite literally the Grand Budapest Hotel. It is in desperate need of a COMPLETE renovation. The first room that I was given was a replica of the Lincoln Bedroom at the White House or a room from the hotel in film The Shining! Everything about it from the furnishings to the carpet to the bathroom were completely rundown, worn out and threadbare. But the bathroom is what drove me over the edge. It had the worst lighting I’ve EVER had in a hotel of zero-​five stars! There were 4 tiny LED recessed lights and NOT ONE OF THE LIGHTS was above the mirror. Are you kidding me? Why bother having a mirror in the bathroom if you don’t provide adequate lighting? Next, the faucet was so far recessed against the sink bowl that I literally couldn’t rinse my toothbrush without it brushing against the overflow hole (yes, that one… the filthy one) against the back of the sink. The final straw was no NO no counter space for toiletries. My room isn’t in ANY of the online photos on their website. I requested a room change only to be informed that they were completely sold out and had no other rooms to transfer me into.
After a 10 hr flight, 2hrs in the customs queue due to software computer issues and a 30 min wait in the hotel exec lounge while my room was being «prepared,» I was at my wits-​end! I insisted on speaking with a manager and told him that I was prepared to leave the hotel if my room wasn’t changed. I called The Connaught and exhaustingly explained my plight and pleaded with them to find me a cupboard or linen closet because even those are elegant and beautiful at The Connaught. I’m pretty certain the manager from The Connaught called the manager at Claridges because shortly after my SOS call to The Connaught, Claridges magically found a room for me. The new room was still «old», literally next to the elevator and staircase, but it was clean and I could see myself in the bathroom mirror. My room was $ 650US p/​night and it is sad to say that I was reduced to being grateful and accepting of a room that was simply clean and well lit. RIDICULOUS! But I was grateful UNTIL I took my first shower and had to lift my leg up and over the side of the tub that was literally like mounting a horse… and there was no safety bar-​not sure how someone 60+ could manage to get in and out of this shower. The water in the shower didn’t drain quickly enough so I ended up with dirty feet (up to my ankles!!) after each shower and had to hand wash my ankles and feet. RIDICULOUS! This might be acceptable or expected at Claridges in INDIA but not in MAYFAIR!
On day 3 of my stay, I couldn’t find my jacket and pants… I searched my luggage high and low-couldn’t find them! Don’t ask me why, but something said, check the drawers in the closet. There were 2 small drawers in a VERY old stand in the closet and the housekeeper had taken it upon herself to place my garments in the drawer of the stand. Are you kidding me? Hanging a coat is one thing but placing my garments into the stand crossed the line. The drawer was dusty and lined with suede that was stained and worn. It also smelled like Macklemore’s Thrift Shop. Why would I want my clothing in a dirty musty drawer?
The only highlight of my stay at this hotel was the elevator man for the express elevator, Jay. I am African-​American and EVERYONE at the hotel except the Concierge and Jay looked at me as though I was a stow-​away. Who stows away on the friggin Andrea Doria? I went down to the bar on 3 occasions and asked for a simple glass of ice and was given that look that the shopkeepers in Pretty Woman gave Julia Roberts, quickly followed with «Are YOU are a guest at the hotel?» To which I patiently answered, «Of course,» only to followed with, «What is your room number and name?» Are you serious? You need my room number and name for a glass of friggin’ ice? Back to Jay, he was the only friendly face that I saw every day. Thank you Jay!
I WILL NEVER AGAIN STAY AT CLARIDGES. DO NOT EVER STAY AT CLARIDGES! Book The Connaught and if they have no rooms available, try The Berkeley, BUT DO NOT EVER STAY AT CLARIDGES. COMPLETELY OVERRATED overpriced behemoth whose best years were a quarter-​century ago… and that is being generous.

I was lucky enough to break up a rather mundane work week with a breakfast meeting here in one of the swish private dining rooms on the sixth floor. A few sideways sneak peeks along the corridors confirmed they have a whole range of different sized event rooms available, all with an elegantly cosy art-​deco type look.
As a visitor, the service means you literally don’t have to lift a finger — not even to press the button for your floor as the gentleman in the lift will take care of that for you, whilst you take a brief time-​out on the oddly sexy sofas in the lifts too! Your coat is then helpfully tucked away in the kind of oversized ornate wardrobe you well might dream of having one day. It definitely makes you feel special, and who doesn’t like that?!
The breakfast spread of fruit and pastries was also a delight, particularly if like me you get an inexplicable amount of pleasure out of baby pots of marmalade and pretty crockery. My inescapable clumsy moment struck as I accidentally sat in front of a table leg and shook the whole thing, but I’m going to claim the tablecloth was too long (floor-​length!) for me to spot this.
As an event space it defo makes for a warm atmosphere, and colourful antidote to the usual sterile City office alternatives, though err my concentration on the meeting agenda may have wavered when the plate of danishes started calling to me… hopefully the guy next to me didn’t judge me for having seconds!

After a busy morning enjoying some well earned retail therapy, what better way to relax by having tea at Claridges. They are very attentive and the sandwiches are so moorish, as are the scones and cakes. The raspberry and rose macaroons are great, as is the lemon posset. What I also liked is that you aren’t rushed. When enquiring as to where the bar is, you get escorted not directed. This is a thoroughly good way to spend and afternoon of indulgence.

I know and love my Afternoon Teas but had never before ‘done’ Claridges so back in December my 2 friends and decided to treat ourselves & book it as we were all very keen. Unfortunately there was such a long waiting list that our Christmas treat turned into our birthday one and we went yesterday! It was definitely well worth the wait though, you couldn’t fault the friendly, attentive & down to earth service at all. You were made to feel special and not all looked down upon and even warned that you could get extra sandwiches and take your cakes home if you felt too full to finish them — how good is that?! I have never been told this at Afternoon Tea and we thought it was superb!
Everything about Claridges is an experience from the fancy entrance to the loos (though in the ladies’ cubicles you can’t swing a cat in there!) to the beautiful Art Deco décor in the conservatory and dining area where you have your high tea. Also the beautiful china in the infamous green and white stripe design and the extensive menu. Not to mention the nice calm atmosphere uplifted by the pianist who when we were leaving was accompanied by a cellist. Your time there particularly due to the delicious & extensive menu and impeccable service is fabulous and you find yourself already planning your return trip!
Whilst writing this review I’ve just finished my cakes that I brought home and they were delicious — a apple and raisin scone, Dundee cake and a plum frangipani tart. Divine!
Would highly recommend a visit to Claridges particularly if you are celebrating a special occasion as you will come away with wonderful memories and possibly a doggy bag of treats & oh yes of chocolates that they present you on leaving. Just ensure you go there hungry!
Most convenient tube is Bond St and then a short walk behind on Brook Street.

After googling and Unilocaling for places for high tea, we decided to make a reservation at Claridge’s. We weren’t sure if we would be able to snag a table, but thankfully we were able to. Claridge’s was lovely. It’s beautiful in the foyer, I loved the coffered ceilings and the Chihuly piece hanging from the ceiling. I loved the tea pot and cups with the minty green and white stripes. It seems like most people didn’t care for the piano playing, but I liked it. It was nice to have some background noise. For the longest time, it seemed like we were the youngest in the room and some people were even turned away.
The staff there is very friendly and helpful. They were happy to explain to us about the teas and the food.
The tea selection was amazing. So many teas. And then came the tea sandwiches. That were never ending. Best part. They had five different ones and you could literally have as many as you wanted. Then the scones came. Why did I fill myself up on sandwiches? The raisin scones came along side of clotted cream and Marco Polo jam. I only had one scone and regretted not eating the second one. The Marco Polo jam was fantastic. I didn’t know if we could buy it at Claridge’s…but we got back to the flat and saw that we could order it. Yay! 8 pounds for the jam, 25 pounds to ship. Nay. But! They sell it at Selfridge’s. YAY! For the dessert course — pretty petit fours, but nothing to rave about. I love that they refill your tea and bring you back a fresh pot. Next time I’m in London, I’ll be back. Just for the sandwiches. And the scones. And the tea.

Walking into the foyer at the hotel it’s easy to
see why Claridge’s is regarded as one of the best hotels in London. I visited
the bar with four other friends for a drink before heading to a nearby club. It’s
not the best of places to go just before a night out but thought it would be a
nice treat.
The bar itself is beautifully decorated a very
classy space. As expected, the place was rather formal, really quite and very
expensive. The clientele consisted mainly of older guests at the hotel yet the
service was impeccable. Of course, being a high end hotel in Mayfair the drinks
aren’t going to be cheap. My St Benedict, at £16, was lovely and the bar snacks
brought to our table is a nice touch.
I’m really glad to have visited the bar at
Claridge’s, but I don’t think I’ll be going back any time soon. London has so
many bars in beautiful setting with better atmospheres. I would probably
recommend popping in for drinks a special occasion with an older relative who
wouldn’t be comfortable in a noisier place that is, if they’re paying.

As an American in London, might as well celebrate Thanksgiving with afternoon tea in The Foyer of Claridge’s.
Definitely better food here than the Savoy, though I liked my tea better at the Savoy. I also liked that they obliged us here and served all 3 courses at once, so my daughter could enjoy sweets and scones while I focused on the savories. (Wish I had asked the same at the Savoy.)
They gave a wink and a nod to our American Thanksgiving with a special turkey sandwich, pumpkin scones, and pecan mini pies. The sandwich selection was salmon, cucumber, egg salad, turkey, and ham. Again, somewhat bland across the board, but slightly better than Savoy. The scones were pumpkin and blueberry served with clotted cream and an unusual jam that I don’t remember what they said it was. Desserts were a parfait (I wanted more but was too full… but so good!), beautiful chocolate somethings (my daughter had several), and pecan pies. The desserts here far out-​tasted the ones at the Savoy and looked so much more appealing.
Gorgeous setting, but I wasn’t thrilled that we had to sit right beside the hostess pedestal. Very close to 5 stars. They sent us home with a small box of 2 truffles to wish us a Happy Thanksgiving. That was classy and memorable. If I had to pick between the two, I think I now like Claridge’s a bit more than Savoy. Next time, I will try Brown’s.
Pinkies up!

The best afternoon tea experience ever! Such a beautiful place, and great service. They don’t rush you at all and the food is delicious! I’ve heard of other places more expensive places limiting the time of each sitting, but we spent over two hours here and had numerous helpings of everything, and at the end we were given goodie bags with our leftover cakes and little tins of tea to take home to boot!
If I find a better place for afternoon tea, Unilocal are going to have to add a sixth star.

I always wanted to stay at Claridges but it seemed unlikely. Then I looked at my company’s travel intranet site and saw that we have a great rate there, so I booked a room for my latest trip to London. What a great experience!
First, the service was unexpectedly warm and personal. The woman at the front desk when I checked in just before midnight on a Thursday could not have been more efficient and welcoming. She personally saw me up to my room and offered to have a glass of champagne sent up free of charge. Why, yes, thank you!
I ordered a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and a fresh berry plate from room service, which not only came promptly, but were extraordinarily good and again the service was warm and gracious. They don’t even ask you to sign anything — it appears on the final bill when you check out.
The room was traditional and spotless. The bathroom was dazzling — all white marble with a big tub and glass shower half-​screen that did not allow water to flood the room. Big rainforest shower head with strong pressure, too. Nice toiletries and even a bidet.
The concierge was friendly and helpful and checkout was a breeze. The location is great — the Bond Street tube is a few minutes walk from the hotel. Cannot wait to return next year. This place really lived up to its reputation, but with far warmer service than was expected!

Hier haben wir den ersten «Afternoon Tea» unseres Lebens hinter uns gebracht, zugegebenermassen nur, weil das Ritz schon Monate zuvor ausgebucht war.
Aber kann das Ritz wirklich besser sein? Ich glaube nicht. Das Claridge’s ist unglaublich gediegen, der Service freundlich, zuvorkommend, aufmerksam — besser kann man es sich nicht wünschen. Es gab Livemusik, die gut und nicht aufdringlich war, das Essen war sehr reichlich, weil immer sehr freundlich nachgelegt wurde — spitze!
Ja, ein Afternoon Tea ist teuer, ja, man kann auch biliger irgendwo Sandwiches essen gehen — aber man kann ja auch in Wanne-​Eickel Urlaub machen…

Es probablemente el mejor hotel de lujo de Londres. Su estilo art deco está en todas sus zonas comunes y sus 203 habitaciones y suites. Algunos de sus muebles embellecieron los salones del ya desaparecido SS Normadie