The Goring Hotel

"When you want to spend an uninterrupted three hours in the kind of room where the king would record a Christmas message, book afternoon tea at The Goring. The Belgravia hotel’s vicinity to Buckingham Palace makes it a firm favourite for out-of-towners, but we'd also come here just to spend an afternoon feeling pampered. Finger sandwiches range from fine to addictively good—refills of the truffle egg mayo kept us on the savoury part of the tea longer than usual. Combined with the perfectly fluffy scones, the excellent mini carrot loaf, and an unlimited supply of teas from the long list, it's an afternoon tea experience that encourages settling down and lingering. It's mostly served in The Veranda, a bright, conservatory-like space, but you should book for a Saturday when you can enjoy it in the more special-feeling main restaurant, The Dining Room. Sit in the glorious heavy-curtained room that’s reminiscent of a Bridgerton episode, and soak in the Britishness of it all." - Rianne Shlebak

"From £75 per person If you dream of being treated like the royalty you are, in a room that looks like the set from The Princess Diaries, book afternoon tea at this five-star hotel in Belgravia. You’ll get the usual fluffy scones and mini cakes, but you’re not really here for the food. You’re here to have your tea poured for you and your plate changed whenever a crumb gets too close to it. Typically, having someone swoop in to check if everything’s OK every millisecond feels invasive, but at The Goring, you won’t even notice. It’s that effortlessly excellent service that makes afternoon tea so popular here, meaning you should book well in advance." - rianne shlebak, eileen twum

"Best for: kids who can't get enough of playtime Closest tube station: Victoria This Belgravia stalwart is a family affair (it's one of London’s last family-owned luxury hotels) and twists a selection of rooms, menus and activities to suit children and their parents. Interconnecting rooms—all dressed in Gainsborough silk, thick draped curtains, and cashmere throws—ensure a desirable degree of separation and privacy. Reminiscent of a gentle, fun, and rather eccentric grandfather, The Goring first bestows little guests with a cuddly Baaa-bara Sheep before directing them towards its dress-up box. Once clad in Kingly garbs, the Library beckons where a mix of British classics and more modern fables make for excellent bedtime stories. From whipping up chocolate cookies in the kitchen with chef to concierge Big John’s insider tips on the latest West End shows, there is never a dull moment—buying plenty of opportunities for parents to snatch an hour or so on the veranda for afternoon tea. It’s worth noting that the hotel provides plenty of baby paraphernalia—changing mats, lotions, bath toys —giving sleep-deprived parents the break they so deserve." - Rosalyn Wikeley

"Many of London’s finest hotels put on an extravagant show, including The Goring."

"The Goring, an intimate hotel with a royal connection, has been favored by the British royal family since 1910. Located near Buckingham Palace, it is known for its classic English aesthetic and luxurious suites, including the Belgravia Suites." - Laura Dannen Redman, Charu Suri, Sandra Ramani, Katherine LaGrave, Jennifer Flowers, Laura Holt