The Traditional English Restaurants of London

When the Sultan of Brunei bought the Dorchester Hotel, everybody, in typically English fashion, tut-tutted and bemoaned the demise of yet another great British institution, saying ‘it will never be the same.’

I have news for them, it isn’t, happily it is a huge improvement, as sympathetic redecoration has restored its rather faded grandeur and brought it brilliantly up to date.

Professional management from Ricky Obertelli has ensured that the excellence of its product and the service has improved also rather than diminished.

Fortunately they retained the Grill Room, famous for many a year as a purveyor of all that is best about traditional English fare, combined with superb – but not obsequious - waiting staff.

Henry Brosi, the Head Chef, who recently took over after the departure of the well respected Willy Elsener - a hard act to follow - has ensured that there is a consistent reliability and quality to the cooking, whilst not forgetting all the old favourites that people like best about top quality English food.

Mind you, this is all at a price, but then real class never comes cheap, though fans particularly recommend the Sunday lunch as representing slightly better value, if that is what you are looking for. Otherwise just enjoy the experience, and try not to think about the impending bill!

However, it is very easy to understand exactly what you are going to be charged as the daily set three course lunch menu is £32.50, including coffee, service and VAT, with dinner at £39.50, but then the 'a la carte' will set you back considerably more.