Harden's survey result
Summary
“Endless sandwich and tea refills and no clock ticking in the background (unlike at some other London five-star establishments)” make this “comfortably opulent” foyer “a wonderful place to enjoy an immensely satisfying afternoon tea, which will obviate any need for dinner later”. Fans also say there’s “nowhere better for breakfast” either: “a marvellous tranquil setting with immaculate service” and “highly recommended”.
Summary
“The epitome of Best of British” – “nobody does afternoon tea like Claridges”: “it’s a casually elegant delight from start to finish”. “Everyone is made to feel like a VIP and the food is good without being intimidating” (“awesome cakes and a great range of sandwiches”). Top Tip – when you finish your tea, “don’t forget the jewel that is the tiny Champagne bar”.
Summary
A “real must-go”, this deluxe Mayfair hotel offers “glamour personified” (and “a famous face or two”) alongside “afternoon tea as it should be” – “no gimmicks, just all you would expect in a stunning location” that makes you feel “far from the madding crowd”. “While top-end in pricing, it’s worth it to enjoy the serenity of this exquisite room and super-efficient, yet easy and friendly service”.
Summary
“We’ve tried other places (including The Ritz) for afternoon tea, but come back here”. This “iconic hotel” in the heart of Mayfair combines “art deco elegance with warm scones and piano music”, and “because its tea is served in the hotel foyer, there’s just the right amount of background activity for a near-perfect, tea-time experience”. Also there’s a “fabulous breakfast here: ideal for a visiting Aussie or American uncle, with everything from the kippers to the perfect salmon and scrambled egg”.
For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Claridge's Foyer & Reading Room?
49 Brook Street, London, W1K 4HW
Restaurant details
Claridge's Foyer & Reading Room Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Reliable"
"A perfect afternoon tea. We sat in the Foyer, with gorgeous art deco decor. Service was outstanding, but not intrusive. Every single cup of tea was brewed from scratch. We made use of the refills of both sandwiches and scones, while still managing to polish off the patisserie. A particular highlight was the truffle gougere. Worth setting a reminder to book this three months in advance!"
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £65.00 |  |
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| Lunch | £125.00 | |
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| Dinner | £125.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £16.00 | £38.00 | £16.00 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £65.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £7.50 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Service | 15.00% |
49 Brook Street, London, W1K 4HW
Opening hours
| Monday | 7:30 am‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30 am‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 7:30 am‑3 pm, 6 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 7:30 am‑3:30 pm, 7 pm‑10 pm |
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