It had been a long time since we ventured to London, so when we found ourselves invited to various events in the ‘big city’, we decided to combine business with pleasure and stay for a few days. But where to stay?
Well let me tell you, our London adventure started in style at The Goring. Impeccably English and perfectly individual, The Goring features 69 sumptuous suites and rooms, each uniquely decorated with the finest furnishings. As the last remaining family-owned luxury hotel in London, it is renowned for its warm, intimate atmosphere and personalised service, as we were to discover.
Located in Belgravia – one of the most exclusive and elegant areas in central London – it is perfectly placed for spectacular sights. The iconic walls of Buckingham Palace border the district and nearby Knightsbridge, Mayfair and Sloane Street.
We were so excited to be staying here and it didn’t disappoint.
Our train journey from Leeds was faultless, no cancellations or strikes and running on time! We arrived in Kings Cross and took the tube from there to Victoria, from where The Goring was just a short walk away, thank goodness as it was the hottest week of the year and we had a very heavy case to see us through a week of events and content creation.
We received the warmest of welcomes from the doormen, concierge and Alex Wilson, the Front of House Manager who was delightful. Soon we were enjoying the air conditioning in our stunning room overlooking the beautiful garden, which comes complete with union jack deckchairs! We couldn’t wait to try those out.
This was in fact a Deluxe Garden View Room. Each of these rooms is richly lined with Gainsborough silk, which we were told was used on The Titanic and in royal households, there are many interesting historic facts to discover and we soaked it all in.
We had a beautiful spacious marble bathroom and a number of the Deluxe Garden View Rooms have balconies to enjoy a tranquil breakfast, a light lunch or cocktail. Does it get any better?
The service here is impeccable, nothing is too much trouble and we were made to feel really welcome. The location is also perfect and once settled in, we decided to explore the area, easily finding our way to Buckingham Palace, Green Park, St James Park, Hyde Park and eventually Big Ben!
That was enough for one day after travelling and walking in such searing heat. We returned to The Goring garden ready for those deckchairs and a refreshing G&T before we changed for dinner in The Dining Room, a beautifully elegant restaurant where tradition flows seamlessly with the finest British food from their Michelin-Star menu.
Over our G&T’s we spoke to a few other residents who recommended signature dishes; Beef Wellington and Lobster Omelette. Great recommendations, Beef Wellington is a favourite of ours and the Lobster Omelette starter was delicious, but be warned, it is very rich. For dessert we indulged in childhood favourites of Classic Rum Bab, lemongrass cream, pineapple and exotic fruit sorbet and a simple selection of ice cream. All accompanied by a superb bottle of Malbec.
To say we slept well is an understatement! That bed was like a marshmallow cloud.
We found ourselves still a little full for breakfast but with a busy day ahead walking around London to appointments, we fuelled up on fresh fruit with yogurt and Eggs Benedict.
What a fabulous start to our London adventure. With over a century of luxury service, The Goring delivers on every level with glamour, grandeur, sophistication and excellent service.
She is one of the capital’s grand dames and somewhere you should stay at least once, this establishment will make any occasion extra special and memories like this are priceless.
Images supplied
