Robert's Reviews

Expectations were running very high as I drive with my wife up the M40 early evening last Sunday. Immediately regretting that I had not valeted the car as we swept into the gravel drive, I parked next to what I assumed might be a member of staff's car. A man quickly arrived to relieve us of our luggage and point the way to reception. When we arrived at reception we were greeted by the receptionist, manager and assistant manager and a charming hand written note from Raymond apologising for not being able to greet us personally- I should perhaps point out at this point that our stay at Le Manoir was partly funded, only partly, by Squaremeal thanks to my review of Locanda Locatelli.

We were shown to our room, which had been upgraded to a suite, and was fabulous, a bit chintzy, but I am being picky. Three TV's, a giant bed, lounge area, views over of the front of the hotel and a bathroom big enough to accomodate a football team or the US womens beach volleyball team whichever your fancy. Dinner was in the conservatory and as we were shown to our table I thanked my wife for cajoling me into bringing a suit, this is not a place for denim what ever the label.

Dinner was ten courses of finely balanced beautifully flavoured and presented food. Your fellow dinners are likely to have known each other for some considerable time and not have much to say, making for a fairly hushed almost library like atmostphere. The only disappointment was the cheese board which was even more French dominated than the wine list and not that interesting. Service was friendly, not stuffy, knowledgable and efficient. Breakfast at a place like this is not something you should have to pay for whatever the circumstances and whatever you order. The grounds are wonderful as is the bed linen and the bed for that matter, I am sure that I am not alone in thinking that there is a direct correlation between the quality of the bedroom and the quality of the…sleep.

Good for taking the most special person in your… More

The best thing about Wiltons is the Renoir that dominates the back wall of the restaurant. It feels more like a club than a restaurant, the furniture is old, the decor is old, the guests are…The food is the kind you hope you will be served when you are teeth have lost there cutting edge, your eye sight is failing and you are likely to be confused by odd shaped things presented in an unfamiliar way on the plate. Can't knock the quality of the ingredients, the salmon- from Foremans- was very good, the pork was splendid and the broad beens very good indeed. Good for any relative over the age of 70 bad for anyone looking for something exciting or some signs of life.

The benchmark for many, and it still delivers. A great room, good if unremarkable food, wonderful staff and an atmosphere that lifts your mood as soon as you sit down. Have been fortunate enough to dine privately upstairs and I would recommend it to anyone looking to entertain 50 people.

Went with friends at the weekend for post theatre dinner, no booking but they were able to accomodate us, having whilled away 20 minutes in the bar with a very reasonably priced bottle of prosecco and some fabulous olives and nuts. Remains the benchmark for service and hospitality by which all others should be judged. Good for anyone and anytime.

How did Richard Corrigan end up in The Grosvenor Hotel? Restaurants located in hotels invariably take on the character of the hotel they are part of, sometimes thats a good fit, Gordan Ramsay and Claridges is a good stylistic fit it feels right. I am not sure that Mayfair and Richard Corrigan are made for each other. I should declare up front that I don't like Mayfair, there is much to appreciate about the area for sure, but its not a place I feel either comfortable or relaxed in. The Grosvenor is somewhere I go too frequently for awards dinners of one kind or another, so that doesnt help much either. Staff at the front desk are professional and courteous, although I am not sure that a gentleman should ever be asked for his jacket. The bar area looks like the best place to dine, and its worth remembering should you be on your lonesome one evening strolling down Park Lane, that you can dine at the bar. Unfortunately we were sat in the corner of the restaurant where they forgot to put any lighting, luckily I had bought a torch so was able to order confidently. The food was good without being stunning, the service was extremely slow, it shouldn't take over an hour and half to eat two courses, and consequently I cannot report on the quality of the coffee. Good for taking old relatives as long as they have some decent clothes and most of their own teeth, bad for taking a new wife or young girl friend.

Always scores highly for its views (which are terrific), an underappreciated wine list which is fabulous and offers tremendous value, and food that’s well presented and cooked to a high standard. The menu is not the most innovative but there is something in it for everybody. The service is bright and friendly, unlike the staff in the gallery. The atmosphere is buzzy and informal. Good for taking art lovers and arty lovers; wasted on those just happy to rest their feet and enjoy a cup of tea.

A space on the end of the bar is probably not the best vantage point from which to sample what this place has to offer, for a start all the plates – there were two of us – wouldn't fit. The presentation of the food is fantastic: it demands that you turn the plate a full 360. The mix of textures and flavours challenge you in a way that few restaurants do. Service is attentive and efficient if a bit charmless. Atmosphere and lighting soft and seductive. Good for someone who you would like to sleep with, that said I was there on business, so it’s not a hard and fast rule.

Not the first time I have been. We dined upstairs, more formal and not so much fun. It serves Tuscan fare, which is good if you haven't eaten for a while but not so good if, like my lovely wife, you want something that won't lie heavy in your tum. The lighting isn’t good, reading the menu required extra candle light. Spaghetti with crab and cherry tomatoes very good, the antipasti that went before was good although I always feel a bit cheated when Italian spam – the one beginning with “M” – is part of the deal. Mostly Italian wine list, nothing wrong with that, Chianti served in a simple but very elegant decanter. Beautiful smooth espresso that hit the spot immediately. Good for old friends and family.

The best burgers in town! I eat here more than anywhere else and probably would even if I didn’t have two teenage sons. The burgers are terrific and they cook to order! French fries are hot, crisp and crunchy. The salad on the plate is always fresh and crisp. As for smarties with the bill – what more can you ask for.

18/01/09

The only small criticism I would level is service which is not quite as attentive as it should be, too many occasions when you find yourself trying to attract the attention of the waiter/waitress; staff turnover feels quite high and that can't help. Still the best burgers in town though.