A Fine Dining Experience At London's Top Restaurants

By Author: Carolyn Clayton
Total Articles: 129
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For years the UK had a reputation for providing dull overcooked food, and hotel restaurants were known for being dusty places devoid of atmosphere. But not any more. Over the last few decades, British food has upped its game and London has become one of the culinary capitals of the world. If you're a foodie you may already have chosen a London hotel with a top restaurant in it, but if you've saved a bit on your accommodation and want to splash some cash on a real dining treat, here are a few of London's top restaurants.

Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental
The scientist amongst Michelin-starred chefs, Heston Blumenthal together with Executive Chef Ashley Palmer-Watts give traditional British food a dramatic twist, going back as far as the 14th century for recipes and bringing you up to date and even futuristic interpretations.

The Mandarin Oriental is in the heart of London's Knightsbridge and is one of the finest London hotels. The restaurant is wall-to-wall glass, wood, leather and iron, reflecting centuries of British craftsmanship overlooking Hyde Park. During the summer, the terrace is opened for al fresco ...
... dining. It's called Dinner, but you can still go for lunch, be prepared for an amazing experience.

Gordon Ramsay at Claridges
World famous chef Gordon Ramsay has restaurants all over London, but none more glamorous than this one, the Art Deco dining room at celebrities' favourite hotel, Claridges. The hotel is behind Oxford Street, a mecca for shoppers, and other than Claridges, there is a good range of well-priced London hotels in the area. Head chef Steve Allen serves up exceptional modern European food, there's a lunch tasting menu and a roast on Sundays. You'll be in good company, members of the Royal family have been coming to Claridges since Queen Victoria, although the food's better now.

Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley
Marcus Wareing is known for his theatrically wonderful cuisine, which brings a technical wizardry to modern European menus, and he's been awarded two Michelin stars for this one. The room is opulent, designed round circle themes, with glass beads and a modern yet entirely luxurious twist. With A La Carte, Gourmand and Prestige Menus, and a complete menu for vegetarians, whatever you choose it'll be a meal to remember forever. Book your London Hotel within reach of Sloane Street and if you don't overdo it, you'll be able to stroll back afterwards.

Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester
The Dorchester on Park Lane is another of the finest London hotels, and in 2007, the addition of a restaurant by world famous chef and holder of no fewer than five Michelin stars, Alain Ducasse, made it the destination of choice for foodies too. Seasonal ingredients are beautifully prepared by executive chef Jocelyn Herland, to enhance individual flavours. It's not quite as expensive as you might think, and there's a fabulous value lunch menu deal.

These are just a taster of the thousands of amazing restaurants all over London. As soon as you've booked your London hotel, decide what kind of cuisine you're after and take your pick. But if you decide to push the boat out, head to a hotel, they've come a long way since the old days.
For somewhere cheap to stay in London try one of the Kensington Hotels like Kensington West, which is aone of the great Earls Court Hotels.