The Goring

The sandwiches were tasty, balanced and unusual, and we enjoyed the scones and cakes as well. There was a great choice of tea, and the staff poured it for us without interrupting our visit, which you don't find everywhere. I took an old friend visiting from the USA to The Goring Hotel for afternoon tea after we started at Parliament Square and walked through St James Park to Buckingham Palace. It was her first time in London, and the tea was a real treat. I can't wait to go back.

The wedding was three weeks ago, and we’re already trying to think of another big occasion to celebrate at the Goring. The whole day was outstanding. The team cared about what they do, the staff were amazing, the rooms fantastic, and the service incredible. The decor was perfect and the food delicious. Thank you, with love, James & Jenay.

I’ve stayed here a handful of times, and the service used to be great when the original staff were helping. Lately, it feels like the hotel is going downhill. The newer customer service staff have been frankly awful, with little ability to help and difficulty understanding them. At a five-star hotel, I expect staff to handle simple things like making reservations for me in advance while I’m staying there. It’s a shame to see the decline.

The room didn’t have much of a holiday feel, despite the hotel’s Christmas theme. The Veranda had a plastic fern in a plastic pot on each table, and the upbeat background music didn’t suit the twinkle lights or a romantic afternoon tea. The food was good, including lovely vegetarian and traditional sandwiches, though the house-made mince pies were cold. Service began well, then the servers seemed to disappear. We went from not having to pour our own tea to me asking for tap water, and no one offered hot water for the teapots or extra pastries. The scones and sweets arrived together as one course, which felt odd. The house-made mulled red wine was a nice touch. Braida was great for the first half, then we didn’t see her again, perhaps because she went on break. By our 15:30 booking, staff seemed tired while explaining how the service worked. I told them I wasn’t sure how they’d enjoy making holiday memories for guests if they were already over the tea scene. For the Big Three, I’d choose the Corinthia, Connaught, or Claridges instead. This place is overrated for sure.