I was lucky enough to be taken to lunch at Gordon Ramsay's restaurant at Claridges today. I love Claridges for its timeless sophistication and the experience did not disappoint. Our effervescent French waiter announced that he was going to give us a present, which turned out to be the best table in the house, on a raised platform overlooking the splendid dining room. Thank you Laura Mason-Byers from Cellet, one of the UK's major boutique PR companies.A few of us started with a startlingly good Gin Fizz and the food that followed was classic European with just the right hint of Christmas. The credit crunch price - £30 for three courses, is something to be applauded. This is excellent value, especially compared to the price of afternoon tea, which is £35 per person (£50 for a 'festive' version).
I really appreciated the concise menu – a choice of three dishes for each course and couldn't fault my starter of mushroom gnocchi with chestnut and a perfect poached egg (not easy to do), followed by guinea fowl and then chestnut pannacotta with fresh berries. I and my fellow diners were tempted to shut the door and retire for the rest of the day. In fact, we practically did and the whole experience was so leisurely that we did not leave until nearly 4pm. This was a pleasant surprise after hearing previous diners complaining about the two sittings at dinner meaning you are practically kicked out at 9pm.
We had time to pause to admire the Galliano christmas tree, which I have to say was really not my thing and I found rather alarming. I like my Christmas – including decorations – soothing and classic, although I did admire the distinctly Modernist lights of South Moulton Street afterwards.
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