London’s last family-owned luxury hotel:
London, one of the world’s greatest capital cities, plays host to a myriad of five star hotels, many of which are household names such as The Ritz, Claridges and The Connaught. However, when it comes to smaller five star family owned hotels, these are very thin on the ground.
One hotel, however, does spring to mind – The Goring Hotel. This hotel is located only a stone’s throw from Buckingham Palace on Beeston Place, one of those discreet narrow London streets. The Goring has been in the same family since its inception in 1910 and is now operated by the 4th generation of the Goring family – Jeremy Goring.
To say that many members of the Royal family are frequent visitors is a gross understatement and the hotel has played host to dozens of royals from many countries over the 100 years since it opened its doors. Kate Middleton and her family took over the hotel for the night before her marriage to Prince William so that must have been quite an occasion for all concerned.
The Goring was granted a Royal Warrant in 2013 – the only hotel to have been granted a Royal Warrant for hospitality services. There can be no doubt that this is a superb and exclusive accolade and no doubt makes other more glitzy hotels green with envy.
There are only 69 rooms and suites in the hotel so its nickname of ‘Baby Grand’ is very apt. The décor is very much in the traditional style. This is a discreet luxury hotel suited to those who adore Downton Abbey traditional grandeur with more than a hint of refined elegance. There is nothing flashy or bling about The Goring and with the fourth generation now its custodian this is a hotel that will stay the course long after the more ostentatious hotels that are currently enjoying popularity have faded away.
The interior of the Dining Room was designed by David Linley and it boasts a Michelin Star for its elegant cuisine. The chefs place a strong emphasis on sourcing most of their produce from the British Isles. Regular guests particularly enjoy their famous breakfast of Eggs Drumkilbo and Lobster Omelette, which are legendary.
I recall having a delightful lunch with the late George Goring, father of Jeremy, when he was Chairman of the Pride of Britain. He was a most entertaining host. I totally believed him when he informed me that following a major upgrading of the hotel he had slept in every bedroom to ensure that the standard of each room was up to scratch. His attention to detail was renowned and he was a consummate hotelier and host. Sadly George passed away in 2020 but his passion and flair lives on with the next generation.
In such a busy city as London what is the one thing that a hotel would give their eye teeth to have? A garden of course. The Goring Garden is a real oasis – a Secret Garden in the truest sense. It is a place of calm and colour and full of the scents of each season. The ideal setting for a summer’s evening where one can enjoy a cocktail before dinner.
From the moment you arrive on the doorstep of The Goring guests feel that they are entering into another world where politeness and hospitality is more than just a job. It is inherent in the DNA of this remarkable London treasure.
Website: www.thegoring.com
