The Goring

The Goring family have been running their luxury hotel since 1910, and have ensured that polished and alert staff take good care of their guests ever since. The restaurant is surely one of the most elegant rooms in the capital, with its moulded plasterwork, flower displays and a soothing gold and cream colour scheme. There's never any doubt about the kitchen's skill and use of top-quality ingredients, brought to a menu that's reassuring rather than challenging, encompassing potted shrimps and calves' liver and bacon with onion gravy. There's a decent balance of fish and meat, with starters of pig's head terrine, or lobster omelette glazed with mustard and herbs, then roast cod with mussel stew, or lamb breast slowly roasted with garlic served with sprouting broccoli. To finish, choose something from the inevitable trolley. The Goring, of course, had a starring role in the royal wedding in April 2011.