A royal 5-star dining experience in the heart of London
In a city as cosmopolitan and diverse as London, the choice of restaurants offering luxury dining can be overwhelming. However, if you’re looking for a place with royal connections, classic British elegance, and exquisite food and wine, there’s one place that stands out from the rest. The Goring Dining Room experience is luxury dining like no other, and the hotel’s not too bad either.
The 5-star hotel in central London is a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace — something that reflects in the classic British design.
The Goring – a brief history
This family-run hotel first opened on 2 March 1910. It’s thought to be one of the first hotels to offer central heating along with en suite facilities in each room. There are 69 luxurious suites and rooms, each of which matches the luxurious décor. One really attractive quality is the hotel’s location. Though within close walking distance of Victoria train station and top London attractions, it’s so peaceful, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the countryside.
The Goring royal connection
Given its close proximity to Buckingham Palace, The Goring has been a long-time favorite of the Royal Family. In fact, during the coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II, the hotel hosted many guests who were in attendance. The Goring received a Royal Warrant in 2013 for its services to the hospitality industry and to the Royal Family.
So strong is the royal connection that it continues to this day. The Duchess of Cambridge famously spent her last night here as a single woman in the aptly named Royal Suite.
See the royal side of London, and jump the lines at the same time! You’ll inside these palatial homes and at a discounted rate.
“…I chose the ricotta dumplings, Iberico ham, glazed wild mushrooms in a chestnut veloute. In short, it’s a work of art on a plate…”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
“There are 69 luxurious suites and rooms, each of which matches the luxurious décor.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
The Goring Dining Room – let’s talk food
Upon entering the beautifully designed dining room, you feel as though you’re being whisked back to a romantic past. Queen Elizabeth’s nephew, David Linley, designed the room, whose intention was to allow plenty of natural light by day. At night, the sparkle from the Swarovski chandeliers add a soft and romantic touch to the surroundings.
The Michelin starred dining room offers a menu of traditional British and fusion dishes. Chef Shay Cooper and his team offer diners a gastronomic experience, using fresh, high-quality ingredients from local suppliers.
The menu choices are intriguing and one where you’ll probably need the help of Google! Take the mysterious sounding Eggs Drumkilbo. This starter was a favorite of the Queen Mother and is essentially an egg and lobster dish.
The Goring Dining Room – the meal experience
Before you’ve even placed your order, there’s an attentive waiter on hand with a bread basket coming to your table. Don’t think about the carb calorie count; just go for it! I chose a slice of onion, and fig and walnut bread, with a generous spread of butter. Needless to say, the wine list here is impressive, and long! Luckily, there’s a knowledgeable sommelier around to advise on a suitable choice.
For my starter, I chose the ricotta dumplings, Iberico ham, glazed wild mushrooms in a chestnut veloute. In short, it’s a work of art on a plate, and probably the tastiest and richest soup I’ve ever tried!
Though in a luxury setting, sometimes choosing a simple option can pay off. Take my main course of roast cod, with a crispy oyster on top, and served with cucumber and parsley. The fish is so perfectly cooked it takes zero effort to cut into, and the horseradish sauce is the ideal tangy accompaniment.
At this point, rather than feeling I was about to burst after eating 2 courses, I felt wonderfully satisfied. So satisfied in fact, that I had more than enough appetite to glance over the dessert menu!
“Refreshing, compact in size and a whirlwind of flavours, it’s a sweet, yet delicate, way to end the meal.”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
Last dish of The Goring Dining Room experience was the dulcey mousse with caramelized apple and buttermilk sorbet. Refreshing, compact in size and a whirlwind of flavors, it’s a sweet, yet delicate, way to end the meal.
The encore at The Goring Dining Room
No luxury dining meal experience is complete without a selection of petit fours and tea/coffee. Yes, you’ll probably be too full at this point, but I’d urge you to try just one. The petite size of these sweets makes it possible, and once you try the macarons, you’ll be glad you didn’t say no.
The Goring, 15 Beeston Place, London, SW1W 0JA, United Kingdom
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Lisa Rivera
Founder
Welcome to my site! I'm Lisa, founder of Following the Rivera. I write primarily for a ‘flashpacker’ audience; a demographic (late 20s onwards) that enjoys glamping over camping, staying at boutique/luxury boutique hotels, sampling the local food and wine, cultural activities, and indulging in a spot of wellness on their travels. Read more here…
I’m obsessed with the Goring! I’ve only been for afternoon tea and I adored it. But your dinner experience sounds wonderful. I would definitely want to try the cod with oysters, the rich soup, and the mousse for dessert. No being on a diet at this restaurant!
You have such an impressive travel resume 😀 Most people never visit the Goring when in London, and I agree that it’s a real fine dining experience 🙂
As a self declared foodie, one of the primary motivators for my travel is being able to taste different cuisines. From your description and photos, Goring Dining Room seems like a must visit for anyone visiting London. I was particularly enticed by the ambiance, and the food photos had me salivating.
It’s an excellent restaurant, and first-class service. A real must try when in London 🙂
A more than 100-year-old heritage hotel and right next door to the Buckingham Palace is sure to be a unique experience. The decor of the hotel is so grand and elegant with an understated charm. No wonder that the hotel has been a favourite with the British Royals. The food too seems to be in a class of its own.
It’s a very classy and delicious experience. Try it for yourself if you’re ever in London.
The plating is really superb. Eating it makes me feel a bit regretful; I’ll destroy the nice presentation. LOL! We’ve never tried eating in a deluxe restaurant, and we hope we can do that one of these days.
Aw I hope you do too! If you ever come to London, add this to your list 😉
Old school charm and good food, I am sold for this amazing dining room experience. If I find myself in London, this one is definitely on our list of places to eat at. Love the history of this place too.
You’ll love it here; it’s a night of pure indulgence 🙂
This was a delicious post. I love fine dining and that extra care taken by the hotel staff. The bread basket made me hungry. Onion, fig and walnut bread sound exotic. The location of the hotel is a plus for sure. And this must be royal if the Duchess of Cambridge chose to spend her last night here as a single woman. I am curious to see Royal Suite.
The Royal Suite looks stunning, from the photos I’ve seen! But the Goring Dining Room is a high second best, and delicious too 🙂
Whoa! The hotel most definitely looks luxurious! Somehow I didn’t manage to visit it as long as I was in London. Onion, fig and walnut bread? I don’t think I’ve even heard of something like that before! Whoa!!!
It’s very good and definitely worth a visit if you ever come back!
Oh wow looks like you had a super dinner! We have a passion for food and we always ready to eat something new, especially when we are traveling! Luxurious 🙂
Excellent to read! So you’ll love this place if you’re ever in London 🙂
Looks delicious! Definitely need to go try this place! Thanks for the recommendation!
You’re welcome!
I love the history behind it, if we ever visit London we will add this to our list for sure!
You must, it’s a great experience!
Love visting historical places but still not made it to The Goring. The meal looks wonderful, especially that roast cod dish!
It’s really good, go and try it for yourself!
Goring hotel is truly a luxurious one and also in heart of London. Being hosts for royal family, this hotel must be truly a elegant and impressive one. They serve food so beautifully on plate, that it really looks like art piece. I would love to sit under the sparkle lights of Swarovski crystal chandeliers for a nice romantic evening.
Trust me, it’s a really special place, and for a lovely dining experience too.
uff, ricotta dumplings. I love it so much! i have tried in sicily and its one of the greatest desserts i have had. seems you had a great experience in the restaurant!
It’s a wonderful restaurant, and yes the dumplings are very tasty 😀
Oh my! now this is what I can say an ultimate royal dining ecpereince. The decor of the place looks so elegant and stunning! As I’m a vegetarian, I hope they have something in offer for people like me. The Dulcey mousse looks yummy, I’m sure it tasted delicious as well.I’m going to London this summer, will check this place out then.
That’s great to read! I’m sure there are vegetarian option available, and hopefully the mousse is still there when you visit in summer 🙂
Love the food shots, they look like works of art. Great experience to eat where the Royal family eat.
Thank you, it’s a very special evening 😀
Lisa, oh my! I just had dinner and yet I am dying to try all of these dishes! London is one of my favourite cities in the world, but when I was living there, I don’t remember falling in love with any British restaurant I tried. However, this place seems so elegant and royal! And your food pictures are just marvelous! Those ricotta dumplings are making me want to board the next flight to Heathrow haha.Thanks for the tip! I will definitely keep it in mind for my next time in Lodon.
Aww I hope you do try it on your next trip to London! It’s a beautiful place, and a spot of luxury in an exquisite place 😀
Goring dining room isnt a place I would go to eat…like never but I wouldnt say no if someone invited me because look at those food! They look so delicate and beautiful that I would having a hard time touching them! Perhaps once in my life time I get to enjoy a fine dinning as the Goring in London!
I hope so too! It’s really a beautiful dining room and the food’s amazing.
I have always wanted to go into The Goring hotel and this would be a good reason why. I have been passed it many times and thought it looks beautiful. That 5-star dining Dining Room experience looks and sounds delicious and made my mouth water when I was reading it. The ricotta dumplings, Iberico ham, glazed wild mushrooms in a chestnut veloute, sound like that would be my favourite.
There was nothing left in the bowl by the time I finished! If it wasn’t so posh, I would have licked the bowl 😛
I have the delicious taste almost in my mouth just by looking at your photos. This looks absolutely first class luxury dining. I would probably also go with the Eggs Drumkilbo as Queen Mother did, hehe. The only problem that I usually have with luxury meals like that is, that often I don’t really get full. But here you seemed to burst already after 2 courses, which to be honest sounds great to me. I think I would love to try this out on a next London trip.
You must Hendrik! I went with my partner, and he was more than full after 3 courses, wine and petit fours!
Wow that looks luxury . I totally loved the interior of the restaurant and the food is mouthwatering . Am definitely gonna keep this in mind for my special occasion
Good to read, thanks!
I like the cultural magnetism of British and their way of life. It has to be Royal. Its great to know that the hotel was the first to offer central heating and en suite facilities in each room. The dinning experience must have been a great one. I loved the way the food was been presented. It’s on my list now.
Perfect! I’m certain you’ll enjoy a visit here, it’s very regal!
On our trip to London, we didn’t get to try a lot of restaurants. The Goring Dining Room sounds like a must try at least for its royal connections which is very impressive. It is interesting to know that the hotel hosted guests during the coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. The food sounds delicious and the interior is very pleasant and elegant.
It’s a very special place, and ideal for a romantic dinner, or even with family and friends!
Fine dining in a Michelin starred restaurant is an experience itself. Plus food and interiors totally justify it. Would love to be here.
It’s pretty amazing!
I am always worried when I read about luxury dining experiences that I will never get to experience it because I am the pickiest and most un-adventurous eater ever. Looks like an incredible place though.
That’s such a shame! The food’s amazing here, and maybe you can try it one day.
I would love to visit this restaurant the ricotta dumplings and dessert all look delicious! I love it when restaurants give the right portions of food so you can eat dessert after. With some restaurants, I can’t even get through a meal so I either end up leaving it or taking it home.
I think you’re the first person to say that! The quality’s so good so the food portions really are a perfect size!
Wow. Just wow! It looks so luxurious and classy. I have a little bit of training on food presentation, and their presentation looks awesome. How I wish I could experience eating in a restaurant like this. Well, a girl can dream 😉
I promise it’s not as expensive as you may think! And totally agree on the food presentation, it’s very impressive 😀
Wow, I would love to try a really nice restaurant like this one with Michelin stars. Unfortunately the only Michelin star I ever tried was in Singapore, a street food one. The only one on my budget 🙂 Nice post, congrats!
Ah well that sounds really nice too! I’m sure one day you’ll get to try one x
Wow that is a century old hotel! This is so classy too and the connection with royal family impressed me a lot.
Each food shot has been taken so well highlighting the details, they have triggered my hunger.
Great to hear! You’ll have a wonderful time 🙂
It’s not good reading this when you are on diet! LOL! The place looks elegant and those dumplings are mouth-watering. How’s the reservation? Is it hard to get one if just a week in advance?
You can actually get a reservation on the day! And you need to forget the diet for an evening 😉
I’m so glad you have reviewed this because I’ve wanted to visit for a while but wasn’t sure if it would be a bit stuff or old school. It actually refreshing to see how modern it is inside, and the food looks divine – those dumplings! I could eat them for days. One to add to my special occasions list- if it works for the Royals it works for me.
Ah amazing Samantha! It’s so classy here, and trust me, those dumplings were so good!
Those are some fantastic food shots. Well done with them. I liked learning about the place and its connection to the Royal family. The decor seems so classy and I love that fireplace with the seats. I guess they don’t use it much but I would have loved it if they do.
It wasn’t lit when we were there, but it adds to the room for sure! The food’s great and I hope you get to visit one day.
I would love to eat out here once in my life. It looks so amazing in your photographs. Just the pics make me feel yum. I am sure you have had a great experience with them. It been so close to Victoria station makes me believe that i will surely dine here once. Thanks for sharing
That’s great to read! It’s really a treat and excellent food.
Yum, yum, yum–I haven’t done a lot of fine dining, but posts like this make me want to change my mind! I agree with Ada, I don’t even want to know the price tag… at any rate, you weren’t really buying food, you were buying an experience! And food… delicious, delicious food.
It wasn’t cheap, put it that way! But, it’s definitely an experience, and one I’ll never forget 🙂
wow I don’t even wanna know how much this dinner cost you 🙂 It looks so delicious tho! I live in London and I know there is so many posh restaurants like that but somehow I never visited any of those! I am moving away soon so maybe I should treat myself for a leaving dinner 🙂 Thanks for recommendation !
Aww you must try one while you’re still here! There are a lot, but The Goring is really above the rest 🙂
This sounds like a really royal and luxurious place to dine at, I am sure it would be expensive too, but worthwhile, given its backed by history. The food looks drool worthy and I would love to explore this place when in London
I hope you get to try it if you ever come to London!
The food, though small portion sizes, looks delicious! I particularly love the royal history that’s associated with this restaurant. I don’t often venture to high-end restaurants, but due to the history this restaurant has, I just might make an exception.
You must! The Goring Dining Room is one of those once in a lifetime places, and it’s worth every penny.
Yum, those ricotta dumplings sound absolutely divine! I agree with your statement about counting calories. When you’re visiting such a royal and historical restaurant, AND with a Michelin-star…don’t even bother trying to count calories. Just indulge.
You’ve got it Rachelle! The food is really good here, and I left satisfied and with a full tummy!
Ah, such a sumptuous meal! I’m salivating just by looking at your photos. I would love to try all of these especially the ricotta dumpling, roast cod, and eggs drumkilbo! Thanks for the recommendation. My husband and I will consider this on our next trip to London. ?
You must Jen! It’s a stunning place, and with first-class charm 🙂
It doesn’t matter how full you are, you just can’t skip the dessert after a meal like that! Everything looked and sounded so tasty. We’re always looking for new places to eat in London so will have to add this one to the special occasion list.
That’s great to read, you won’t be disappointed, and it’s worth every penny 😉
Looks pricey but love the pictures of the place. Very chic, luxurious and I’d love to celebrate an occasion, wear a nice evening dress and dine at this place. The only thing disappointing about fine-dining places like these is the portions of their food. I usually end up going for some street food a couple of hours later cause it is just not filling enough LOL.
Trust me, the food portions are enough, and I’m always hungry! When you have 3 courses with wine and petit fours after, you’re so full, but in a satisfying way!
This establishment looks absolutely lovely! I was in London but had never heard of this until now. I really like the history behind it, especially due to my love for the show The Crop. The beautifully plated food and charming decor definitely make it look like a luxurious place to be!
You’ll really love to dine here, especially if you like a spot of luxury and world class charm! I’ve never heard of the crop; I’ll go and look it up!
This place looks so cozy yet luxurious – it must feel like travelling back in time; just beautiful. The food of course looks out of this world – my favorite would be the starter: the dumpling alone….sorry cannot write more, have to go to the kitchen and fix myself at least a sandwich 😉
Ha, no worries! It’s always hard for me to read a food post, because I’m always ineveitably hungry at the end of it! It really is old school charm and great food in one place 🙂
How have I never heard of the Goring Dining Room? It looks so luxurious, refined, expensive… Actually, come to think about it, perhaps that’s why tight-wad me hasn’t heard of it 😉 love your advice of not considering the calorie count Lisa, that’s pretty much what I do whenever I eat out haha! x
It’s all those things Becca and more! Always great to meet a fellow calorie muncher too haha! Trust me, here, it’s not worth saving any calories!
I lived in London for so long and never even heard of this restaurant. It looks very posh and I’m sure the food was exquisite. Those dumplings with ham and mushrooms look delicious!
They were really delicious! If you ever come back, you must come and try it!
Dang I would have loved to eaten here with Darcee when we were in London last year because she loves everything about the Royals and this would have been a great adventure for her. Your Roasted Cod with the Fried Oyster looks wonderful though I would probably want to try the Eggs Drumkilbo. Love the history of places like the Goring Dining Room.
I wish I’d tried the eggs drumbilko, it looked so tasty when I saw it. Trust me, it’s a real treat and you’ll definitely love it if you’re a fan of the royals!