Harden's says
André Garrett is no longer resident chef here, having moved to London's Corinithia in January 2019. The new head chef Paul O'Neill, a Roux Scholar who worked alongside André Garrett for 14 months.
Harden's survey result
Summary
The “lovely location overlooking the Thames” – a spectacular Grade I listed country house dating from 1666, now owned by the National Trust and operated as a Relais & Châteaux hotel – is enough in itself to make any meal a “wonderful experience” here; especially if accompanied by “an interesting walk around the parkland” where historical figures from Queen Victoria to Christine Keeler came for R&R. The dining room occupies a prime site within the property with stunning views, where you can enjoy cuisine that’s “good but not inspirational” considering the “eye-watering” prices.
Summary
The “spectacular drive up to the property” is all part of the experience at this majestic ancestral pile of the Astor family (host, in its day, to the events behind the Profumo scandal; where Meghan stayed before marrying Prince Harry; and nowadays owned by the National Trust). The dining room occupies a “gorgeous hall” primely located within the property and with “great views”. As you might expect, a visit is an experience as much as it is a gourmet spectacular, and although cooking from chef Chris Hannon (replacing Paul O’Neill in October 2021) is generally well-received, feedback follows the up-and-down pattern established over many years here. A typical example: “lovely room, pretty good food actually but it isn’t a restaurant that wows. Some dishes were very good but it was a case of hit-and-miss, especially for the high price, and service was good but not outstanding”. Top Tip – “perfect afternoon tea for special occasions”.
Summary
After the departure of André Garrett as executive head chef from this landmark destination in October 2018 (for London’s Corinthia Hotel), former head chef Paul O’Neill was promoted to take his place. This “beautiful” property has received up-and-down feedback over the years, and variability was also evident in last year’s reports: numerous “wonderful” meals are described, but there are also experiences of “slow service” and food that’s “overly grand but underwhelmingly prepared… especially at these prices!” The most consistent hit is afternoon tea in the grand hall – “exceptional” (not least “the world’s best scones”).
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 The Dining Room at Cliveden?
Cliveden Rd, Taplow, SL6 0JF
Restaurant details
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always | £0.00 | £0.00 |  |
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| Lunch | £0.00 | £0.00 | |
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| Dinner | £42.00 | £215.00 | |
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Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £24.00 | £42.00 | £6.00 | £14.00 |
| Drinks |
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|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
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|---|---|
| Bread | £0.00 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Cliveden Rd, Taplow, SL6 0JF
Opening hours
| Monday | 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Friday | 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 pm‑9 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 6 pm‑9 pm |
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