London's hotel restaurants are finally shedding their uncool reputation, transforming into trendy destinations that attract locals and celebrities alike. Once seen as disjointed or half-baked, these venues are now becoming places to hang out, even without booking a room.
A Shift in Perception
Historically, hotel restaurants in London were often an afterthought, relying on captive guests rather than culinary excellence. While some, like The Ritz Restaurant, Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, and Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, have long been exceptional, they were never considered 'cool'. However, this is changing.
New Hotspots
Recent openings are leading the charge. Café Clement at Nick Jones' Strand hotel, which opened softly in June, has already attracted visits from Nigella Lawson and Stanley Tucci with Angela Hartnett. Its elegant all-day café with a Thames terrace is a hit, proving that quality food is key.
At the Corinthia, Mezzogiorno offers Francesco Mazzei's southern Italian cuisine, with standout dishes like fileja e spuntature (pasta with spare ribs ragu and smoked ricotta, £42 for two). Meanwhile, Tobi Masa at the Chancery Rosewood in Mayfair brings sushi master Masayoshi Takayama's omakase experience.
More Cool Options
Mexican chef Paola Arenas is revitalizing Decimo at The Standard, and the new Six Senses hotel in Bayswater serves a standout club sandwich. Canal, beside the Grand Union Canal in Westbourne Park, continues to offer playful food. London's hotel restaurants are definitely looking up.
