"Before Victoria became synonymous with carbon dioxide emissions and chain sushi restaurants, it was associated with a certain level of affluence. Buckingham Palace is a diamond's throw from here, after all. The Goring hotel is a fitting throwback to this era, and so is its lovely dining room which serves modern takes on old-world British dishes like lobster omelette and Hereford beef short rib. You can expect all the trappings of a traditional fine dining joint—silver service, petits fours—and lunch is a good way to make the most of it. It’s a good shout for treating your parents or friends from out of town, especially when you factor in the Goring’s bar and excellent afternoon tea service." - heidi lauth beasley, sinead cranna