The Goring (bar)

Refined elegance & proper decorum help to explain the enduring appeal of the Goring’s long-standing bar. An oil painting of Admiral Nelson looks down approvingly from above the fireplace, as lords & ladies, various celebs & loyal regulars dressed in tweeds & pinstripes parade over the thick burgundy carpets & settle into deep leather couches. Above all, they come here for some polished peace & quiet, accompanied by civilised drinks & honest food. Courteous staff at the long bar dispense cocktail standards & a well-spread choice of international wines, while the kitchen plays with a straight bat, offering plates of shepherd’s pie, scampi & chips or macaroni cheese. Leisurely cream teas on the veranda & outdoor terrace have acquired a cult reputation in recent years. No laptops, iPhones or BlackBerrys, please.