New Look, Nouvelle Cuisine, a Dash of Art Nouveau



the entrance of the Savoy Hotel, London, as seen from inside

Emerald Cunard favoured the Dorchester where, indeed, she spent most of the war years. Ex King Constantine of Greece has made a favourite of Claridges. Each one of us has, of course, a preference where London hotels are concerned. For us it is the Savoy.

And so, a little over a week ago in the middle of May, we returned for the first time since the major refurbishment which, over the past couple of years, has necessitated the closure of the doors of this most iconic of hotels. At a cost reputed to be over £100 million, this has been one of the most ambitious of hotel restorations in British history.

Today the Savoy is a synthesis of past and present, of tradition and modernity, where Edwardian elegance at its grandest, combined with shades of Art Deco, meets most happily with cutting edge, twenty-first century design.

 looking towards the entrance from The Thames Foyer

We lunched at the best possible of tables in The River Restaurant directly overlooking the Thames. Booked by our Russian friends, who stipulate the finest of everything, we secretly wondered if, as with so many oligarchs from that most mysterious of countries, they were sounding out the hotel in readiness for a takeover. Nothing would surprise us with those two! Only time will tell!

the interior of The River Restaurant - later to be filled

Luncheon was delicious. Beautifully presented food, efficiently and professionally served, and accompanied with very fine wines.

a first course of duck breast

a seafood first course

a lime trian for pudding

a main course of lamb

And afterwards coffee, by which time as we left, the afternoon well advanced, within The Thames Foyer through which we passed, afternoon tea was well under way.

outside the Savoy Hotel - the only street in Britain where driving is on the right

But then, as we all know, the Ritz is the place for that!