The Goring

The Scene

Belgravia still reigns as the aristocratic capital of London, laying claim to acres upon acres of royal parks and palaces. While some may find it uptight, others relish the Old World feel throughout the regal townhouses lining the streets and the sumptuous luxury that lies behind grand doors and shining windows. The Goring happens to be a few blocks from Buckingham Palace, but it’s equally close to Victoria Station if you want to get out of Belgravia (or out of town for a time).

The Concept

London may be a multicultural mecca, but The Goring is straight English and never apologizes for that. And why should they? The Goring family has consistently improved upon the hotel left to them from generation to generation, raising a luxury hotel from a moderate hotel and then vaulting it into royal favor (the Queen Mum adored the place) and entrenching it in London society---even before its Royal Warrant for Hospitality granted in 2013. Providing exquisite English service is the soul of The Goring and what makes it so very, very special. Nothing in The Goring is any less fantastic or important than anything else; for example, even the garden out back is utterly necessary for the atmosphere of easy, assured luxury, providing a welcome dose of green relief from the relentless brick and building of surrounding London. The simply named Dining Room is recognized the world over as the pinnacle of British cuisine and similarly, the Afternoon Tea (offered in the Lounge or on the Terrace) has garnered the highest honor a tea room can earn---the 2013 Top London Afternoon Tea Award. The Bar at the Goring is straight out of your imagination, kindly requesting electronic devices be left behind before diving into a veritable landmark (not just another hotel bar) where Brian Kinsella shines with signature cocktails and a more-than-impressive wine list. This is quintessential English from front to garden and there’s no way you’ll ever forget its dreamlike perfection.

The Look

If the lobby, bar, and dining room didn’t sell you on the cultivated air of sophisticated English luxury, the rooms will seal the deal. Certainly the look of The Goring has been updated in its 100+ year history but it steadfastly remains true to English design, favoring dark, rich woods and luxuriously patterned wallpaper in addition to plush seating and stately colors. There are a few notable exceptions to the color rule, but when even orange and light teal are expertly blended like this, you won’t care a smidge. Rooms and suites exude confident elegance and feature the very finest fabrics and furniture from across the British Isles. Most rooms look out onto the manicured garden, but if it’s London views you’re after you can request a view of Victoria Square. We personally prefer the garden; it allows you to immerse yourself fully in the experience of The Goring--which, after all, is really what it’s all about.

In Short

Hail to the family-owned and run hotel if this is the type of perfection you’ll get every time. 100 years of service and elegance couldn’t be better executed and if you’re looking for the quintessential English London getaway, you mustn’t look anywhere else---The Goring is your home away from home.