Claridge's Bar

Walking into the foyer at the hotel it’s easy to see why Claridge’s is regarded as one of the best hotels in London. I visited the bar with four other friends for a drink before heading to a nearby club. It’s not the best of places to go just before a night out but thought it would be a nice treat.

The bar itself is beautifully decorated - a very classy space. As expected, the place was rather formal, really quite and very expensive. The clientele consisted mainly of older guests at the hotel yet the service was impeccable. Of course, being a high end hotel in Mayfair the drinks aren't going to be cheap. My St Benedict, at £16, was lovely and the bar snacks brought to our table is a nice touch.

I'm really glad to have visited the bar at Claridge’s, but I don't think I'll be going back any time soon. London has so many bars in beautiful setting with better atmospheres. I would probably recommend popping in for drinks a special occasion with an older relative who wouldn't be comfortable in a noisier place - that is, if they're paying.

Everytime I go here I have a perfect experience. The service is excellent, the staff attentive and the food,wine,and every aspect of this hotel and bar is elegant. Even if you have only time for afternoon tea you will enjoy the splendour of the room with photographs of the many stars of the silver screen on the walls who stayed there. i was amazed at how the waiters knew when i had finished my cup of tea and refilled it without me knowing! Highly recommended!

Claridge’s Bar is perfect for business meeting, in an elegant venue, classy and smart.Relaxing yet vibrant atmosphere, great drinks, and the condensation made easier, great place indeed!

I went there on New Years Eve for pre-dinner drinks. Its a small bar and all the tables were occupied although service did try to seat us when a table became free and took our coats.

The crowd in older with a charming bar atmosphere but it feel like could have been in any pub propped up against the bar (waiting to catch the ONE barman's eye to order our drinks) next to an external door which often blasted us with artic wind whenever someone popped in from the carpool.

We were a party of three and ordered a Apple Martini, a Virgin cocktail and 2 rounds of Macallan 18 y/o Scotch. (normally retails approx £60-80 per bottle)

The bill came to an eye watering £79.00 for 4 drinks. That's a huge mark up!

They did throw in salted peanuts. For 30 mins drinks at a bar, standing up. Was it worth it? No, not at those prices and I didn't come away feeling it was anything special but rather dull without little atmosphere and not enough seats. (The Mandarin Bar in HK I would recommend, impeccable service, elegant and attentive but polite/discreet)

I should of went to spec savers and read the menu better.

The drinks in here are pricey but tasty. The bar staff are also very friendly and great at new recommendations.

It is of course a landmark and touristy but if in the Mayfair area is still a great place for a cocktail before hitting other places.

The Claridges is obviously one of the top hotels in London with a very central location in Mayfair. The bar is a perfect place for an informal business meeting in a very attractive art-deco surrounding. It is in fact good value if the alternative was to rent a meeting room in a serviced business center in the area. I was very well seated and served, found a table very easily in the middle of the afternoon and this was a very convenient and enjoyable place to have a meeting in central London. I paid £8 for a glass of still water and an expresso… ok not so cheap for what this is but considering the real estate cost in the area, the facilities, the service and the fact that you can stay there 2 hours for £8 if you want it is definitely good value. I have not been there for an aperitif but I am tempted to try as it must be quite something to watch with the international crowd hanging at the Claridges. I will report later on this!

Update: Been there for a perfect pre drink dinner before another excellent visit to La Petite Maison. This is a winning combination, a bit upmarket for sure, but you cant get wrong with these 2 places and they are next to each others too so very convenient

Nice setting, not worth the extra money for drinks though.

If you staying in the hotel, and fancy a drink then its a perfect place for a drink. Dont make a special trip if not.

The bar at Claridges is something of an institution, and not shy at looking like it would belong in a James Bond film. However, at times, it can be a bit stuffy and unatmospheric, and there is often a bit too many people and too few seats. The cocktail list is varied, but expect to pay top hotel prices, although you do get some bar snacks thrown in. Great for a quick drink before moving on somewhere, but due to the mix between hotel clientele and locals it can be a bit of a strange mood. However, it is definitely sumptuous and the service impeccable. Definitely worth going to once.

If you do not have money to burn, i wouldnt recomend coming here, especially with a date. You can be sure that next to you will be a guy shouting 'order whatever you like’. Not a great start if you just have enough cash to get the cheapest items on the menu (soup). Due to its high class clientelle, you can expect to see plenty of celebrities.

A very classy establishment. Full of yuppies in suits spending plenty on good cocktails and great food. It’s also the place to go for celeb spotting, if that’s your kind of thing, and you’re basically guaranteed to see someone famous every time.

Quite possibly the best dining experience I have ever had. I felt like royalty from the moment I walked in and they took great care with us.

They asked whether it was a special occasion and when I said it was my birthday they gave me a cake and chocolates and could not have been nicer.

I’d recommend this to anyone and say it was definately worth it. We went for the cheaper option and spent £90 for 2 including wine.

Minor celebs, gourmet food and a very fairly priced set menu made this a great eating experience. Gordon’s skill at the oven is beyond doubt outstanding because every dish my group ordered was spectacular. Very well cooked indeed.
I tried the lamb and it was cooked to perfection, did not find the watercress salty at all so i think one of the posters above must have picked a bad day to go! I had the mini puds to finish and it was amazing.
It was expensive at £240 for 2 of us but it was a special occasion.. and when the food is out of this world, why not?
If you are looking for a one off special treat then i would very much recommend eating here. Remember to book ahead!

My wife and I had a dinner on 23rd Dec 2007 for her birthday in Gordon Ramsay in Claridges. The soup was salty, my wife complained without finishing it. the bread was tasteless. The lobster and salmon ravioli had a pungent fishy smell, it was not fresh and my wife left the dining table and vomited in the toilet afterward. Only pressed (pate-like) foie gras on menu, for a whole decent foie gras needed to pay extra what a con. when my wife returned, we tried the main course venison and lamb, both served with the same extremely salty watercress which killed the tasted. 2 different meats dish served with the same watercress, we felt cheated, again we could not finished the main course. the caramelised tart was burnt. we had only one bit and left it. No birthday cake was offer but a candle on a plate - cheap gesture. Left table with a £240 bill without eating much. The waiter offered us a take away desert - what a stupid offer from this restaurant. Absolutely disguised with the meal. the Michelin-star rating is misleading. two years ago I had the same experience with Gordon Ramsay in Savoy Grill (again my wife’s birthday). we chose the tasting menu but it was horrible and salty, we did not finished the meal either. We thought it was one off bad experience in Savoy Grill but it was not. Incognico in west end, was ten times better and served mouth watering foie gras not pate without extra cost.

This sumptuous bar has got to be one of the best places in London to drink cocktails. It’s atmospheric, dark and cosy. Seating is very comfortable and spacious. The staff cannot be faulted, they are discreet, supremely efficient and make everyone feel welcome. The downside is that prices are exorbitant! If you intend on visiting, make sure you have enough cash or plenty of credit cards as on top of the price for drinks, you are expected to add service on top. A superb place to go for a special treat.

Well this is the best place ive ever had lunch and the most exspensive at around £200 for 2 for lunch.
I must say ive never been so waited on as there is one for everything…from bread to wine.
The room itself is amazing art deco and some of the most wonderful flowers ever,the place was packed mid week and i know why.
We had 3 course’s and the staff knew everything about the food even my lamb’s mum’s name such was there knowlegde.
The best bit was of course the pudding….the famous chocolate trio…three mini puds all on one plate…i finished every last bit..rude not too.
I would love to go again and this place really does live up to the hype.

Of the two bars, the Champagne bar is a great venue for a special occasion. Art Deco design and 1920s feel make it unique. The Gordon Ramsay restaurant serves outstanding food. You may not take to him on TV but his skill is extraordinary. Never stayed in the hotel, but the public areas are exquisite and you can pop in for tea or a drink at the hotel bar.

The bar. it is wonderful for a business meet up from 4pm onwards. Quiet, discreet and really unsual but pleasant aesthetics. Elderflower cordial is top of the range.