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
Owned by the National Trust since 1942 and a hotel since 1985, former guests at this famous palazzo (dating from 1666) include many of the 20th century’s most famous figures (Churchill, Gandhi, Roosevelt…). The “slightly stuffy but still jaw-dropping ambience of the beautiful dining room” of this famous palazzo makes it a perennial nomination for a “romantic” meal, but its fairly conventional modern European cuisine (with starting options including a wide selection of caviar) has never established itself as an especially foodie one, particularly for those concerned with value. as it can often seem “overpriced”. Top Tip – “Heavenly afternoon tea” – “a nicer location than grand London hotels” and “the views are exceptional”.
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”.
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 |  |
|
|
| Lunch | £0.00 | £0.00 | |
|
|
| Dinner | £42.00 | £215.00 | |
|
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £24.00 | £42.00 | £6.00 | £14.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £30.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| 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 |
Best similarly priced restaurants nearby
British, Modern restaurant in Taplow
Fish & seafood restaurant in Richmond
British, Modern restaurant in Chiswick
