Claridge's, London

Advantages: Lovely food, attentive staff, very classy for a special occasion
Disadvantages: You need to book, they allow smoking, not very environmetally aware

Introduction ******************** Before I begin I'd just like to point out that this review is strictly on the afternoon teas at Claridges and not on any other aspect of the hotel. 'Im getting married in the morning, ding dong the bells are goanna chime' ok Im not actually getting married tomorrow but on the 16th of September this year I will be a Mrs. Why is that relevant to Claridges I hear you ask? Well it's not strictly but the reason I ...
...best friend was all wedding related. Just to give you a brief why, where etc, I have four bridesmaids, 2 of them are my sisters and 2 of them are my best friend and her little sis, who is also my youngest sister's best friend. We aren't very adventurous in my family :) My head bridesmaid (best friend of 25 years) has done such a lot for me since I started the whole wedding planning thing, she is an events manager herself so has had loads of really ... Read review

Advantages: Attentive service, delicious food.
Disadvantages: A little pricey, the temptation to just keep on eating.....

It was my Aunts 60th birthday and as a treat for her and her close female friends and family, we were all invited to Afternoon Tea at Claridges. Afternoon Tea is held daily from 3pm until 5:30pm and this is something you have to book in advance, either over the phone or using the online booking form. As I didn't do this I can't comment on how easy or difficult it was. We totaled 12 and were sat on a long narrow table in a spacious area of the room. ...
...I didn't pay too much attention - sorry! - but it was very ornate, high ceilings, a bit art deco and surprisingly not as 'posh' as I thought it would be. There was lots of space between the tables of which there were many and above the buzz of conversation you could hear someone playing the piano. ~ Tea, Sandwiches and Cakes ~ There were a few menus dotted on the table, of course I can't list every single tea (there were about 4 sides of A5 paper ... Read review

Advantages: A delicious and luxurious traditional treat, with excellent service
Disadvantages: Not spontaneous - need to book ahead!

Afternoon tea at Claridges - A very enjoyable and luxurious tea. Excellent location and very convenient for shoppers - a few minutes from Bond Street Station. Booking is definitely necessary - at least a week or two in advance and longer if you are hoping to book for a Saturday or special date. I booked via email and the response was swift and extremely accomodating. Tea at Claridges is served in the Reading Room. Initially it seems less obviously ...
...and perfect for an intimate or quiet tea for couples etc. The tea itself was delicious, a superb range of choice and no limit to how many fresh pots or types you could try. Tea was accompanied by lovely sandwiches with a good range of fillings, which we were offered more of, and sepcifically whether we had any favourites which we would like more of. Then there were 2 types of scones which were perfect, with cream and jam of course, then finally ... Read review

Advantages: Beautiful setting and amazing food
Disadvantages: Expensive

...is smart with jacket preferred. Tie not essential. We found a mixture of attire, but the majority of people were dressed smart casual. The restaurant has a no smoking policy, although smoking is allowed in the private dining rooms with the doors closed. Gordon Ramsay at Claridges Brook Street London Tel: 020 7499 0099 Nearest Tube: Bond Street Gordon has two other restaurants in London: Gordon Ramsay at Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea and the Boxwood Cafe at The Berkeley in Knightsbridge. If you ever want to treat yourself to a superb evening of food and ambience, then I highly recommend this restaurant. Bon Appetit!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Beautiful food, good ambience
Disadvantages: Prices

...The first time I ate at Claridge's was after finishing a cocktail course last year. Sounds grand, I know, but in fact was a fairly reasonable offer. They teach a cocktail making course on most Saturdays (with different themes- think summer cocktails, champagne cocktails, vodka cocktails, for example), whereby you learn from Claridge's own cocktail master how to create pina coladas, sangrias, etc. Within the three or so hours, you have plenty of concoctions to try and taste. When you are done, you are issued with a Claridge's cocktail shaker and a certificate of completion. And, the crowning touchL: included in the course was lunch at Claridge's. I wasn't assuming much- a few sarnies perhaps and a glass of wine? Au contrare, mon frere. Indeed, we were offered a proper Claridge's meal- a choice of three meat dishes (which completely... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Few people know about it
Disadvantages: Slightly outside central London - WC1

...remember that it is a lot less than somewhere like the Savoy (about £50/head), or Claridges where there are also no windows in the tea room but where those who want to seen, have tea. Contact details: Hotel Russell Russell Square London. WC1B 5BE Tel: +44 (0)207 837 6470... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful