Claridge's

Claridge’s began as a modest establishment along Brook Street in Mayfair, owned by William and Marianne Claridge, from whom it got its name. In order to accommodate better facilities and a wider clientele, they expanded during the mid‑19th century by acquiring five neighboring properties and combining it all into a single hotel. As Claridge’s reputation for excellence took off, it attracted the attention of Britain's esteemed figures, most particularly Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. This further helped establish the hotel as a favorite for European royalty and other heads of state.

In 1893, the famous theatrical impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte acquired the property. He immediately commissioned the architect C.W. Stephens to redesign and rebuild it, and the old buildings were torn down to make way for the new. The current structure opened in 1898, setting the stage for Claridge’s to become one of London's icons.

Present-day ownership of Claridge’s lies with the Maybourne Hotel Group, a private luxury hotel operator that also manages other prestigious properties like The Berkeley and The Connaught. The group has overseen the preservation of Claridge’s heritage while implementing sleek modernizations. These include the addition of fantastic spa amenities and new dining venues. For their efforts, the hotel has been awarded with accolades such as Michelin's Three Keys distinction and Forbes Travel Guide's Five-Star rating.

Although Claridge's was formally established in 1856, the hotel didn't acquire its iconic aesthetics until its 1898 reconstruction. The Late-Victorian redevelopment was led by Charles William Stephens, the architect best known for Harrods. His structural work laid the foundations for the building we see today, even as later decades would refine and redefine Claridge's style further. In the early 20th century, the hotel started incorporating more modern architectural influences, setting the stage for its design evolution while also retaining many classic aspects.

The most celebrated chapter in Claridge’s design is its transformation into an Art Deco icon in the 1920s and 1930s. Visionary designers like Basil Ionides are credited with creating the magnificent interiors of Claridge's restaurant and suites. For decades, guests have been impressed by the glamorous, geometric lines and luxurious materials associated with the Jazz Age. Another contributor was Oswald Milne, who redesigned the entrance and added an Art Deco extension block with a simple cubic exterior yet richly styled interiors.

In our current era, Claridge’s has been both restored and reinvented many times. A major 1996 restoration by Thierry Despont refreshed the foyer with modern Art Deco touches, including a striking Chihuly light sculpture. Collaborations with leading designers such as David Linley and more recent work by Bryan O’Sullivan Studio on dining spaces continue to blend historic motifs with thoughtful modern takes. These updates haven't neglected the needs of guests either, as the hotel has been adding accessibility features such as wheelchair-friendly rooms, access ramps, and amenities like alarms and rails.

As one of London's beloved architectural icons, Historic England recognizes Claridge's with a Grade II listing on the National Heritage List for England.

Claridge’s Restaurant

The hotel’s signature restaurant celebrates contemporary British cuisine and serves it in an elegant and historic Art Deco setting. Menus feature seasonal dishes crafted from locally sourced produce for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also hosts collaborations with various restaurants from around the world, creating a sort of food festival with special seasonal menus.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: 8 am - 10 am
Lunch: 12 pm - 5 pm
Dinner: Monday - Wednesday: 5 pm - 9:30 pm; Thursday - Saturday: 5 pm - 10:30 pm; Sunday: 5 pm - 9 pm

L’Epicerie

L’Epicerie delivers an intimate chef’s table experience located within Claridge’s own kitchens, where up to 14 guests can watch as culinary theatre unfolds. This bespoke space is ideal for private lunches, immersive dinners, wine pairings, and interactive dining that engages you directly with the chefs.

Claridge’s ArtSpace Café

The ArtSpace Café is Claridge’s first dedicated café, open daily for breakfast and lunch, offering a lively atmosphere and menus of crêpes, market-fresh salads, seasonal specials, and artful patisserie. It also functions as a creative hub linked to Claridge’s art gallery space, combining vibrant café culture with indulgent baked goods, artisan coffee, juices, and even champagne.

Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 8 am - 6 pm
Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday: 10 am - 5 pm
Bank Holidays: 10 am - 5 pm

The Painter’s Room

More of a cocktail bar than a full restaurant, The Painter’s Room offers a stylish Art Deco hideaway inspired by the artistic spirit of Provence and Italy. Alongside delectable seasonal cocktails and a curated wine list, guests can enjoy light bites and sharing plates in this intimate, colorful setting.

Opening hours:
Tuesday - Thursday: 5 pm - 12 am
Friday & Saturday: 3 pm - 12 am

Claridge’s Bar

Carrying the name of the hotel, Claridge’s Bar offers a refined drinking and dining experience focused on vintage champagnes, Prohibition-era whiskeys, and artfully mixed cocktails. Embracing its glamorous Art Deco surroundings, the bar crafts an immersive period atmosphere that hearkens back to the Roaring Twenties and Années Folles. It also serves light bites and seasonal items, making it a lively spot for aperitifs, evening drinks, or casual luxurious bites while socializing and relaxing.

Opening hours:
Monday - Saturday: 12 pm - 1 am
Sunday: 12 pm - 12 am

The Fumoir

Tucked away behind Claridge’s Art Deco interiors since 1929, The Fumoir is a discreet, atmospheric cocktail bar where you can enjoy expertly crafted drinks. Taste historic cocktails like the Fumoir Negroni, or unwind with premium spirits and light snacks.

Opening hours:
Monday - Saturday: 12 pm - 1 am
Sunday: 12 pm - 12 am

The Foyer and Reading Room

This grand, chandelier-lit salon blends the classical with the contemporary, providing an opulent space for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Savor your meal while listening to soothing piano music, or relax with friends or with a book while enjoying Claridge’s legendary Afternoon Tea. The daily tea service includes delightful blends paired with dainty sandwiches, and freshly baked scones and pastries.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: Monday - Saturday: 7 am - 11 am; Sunday: 8 am - 11 am
Lunch: 12 pm - 1:30 pm
Afternoon Tea: 2:45 pm - 5:30 pm
Dinner: 7 pm - 10 pm

Claridge’s offers bespoke wedding planning and luxurious event experiences in one of central London’s most iconic Art Deco venues. Couples can choose from a variety of elegant spaces, such as the stunning 1920s Ballroom filled with grand mirrored walls, or the more intimate Highgrove Rooms. Whether you’re planning an extravagant wedding breakfast for up to several hundred guests or a close-knit ceremony for your closest loved ones, Claridge’s dedicated team will work with you to shape every detail. For celebrations with 60 or more guests, the hotel also offers a complimentary suite for the wedding night, along with special accommodation rates for attendees.

Beyond having the perfect venue, Claridge’s teams provide a full suite of services for your celebration. You'll have access to in-house floral decorators, as well as other services such as a choreographer to help you perfect your dance. The dedicated wedding planning team collaborates with couples on everything from tailored menus and themes to entertainment and logistics.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Before heading out to explore London, why not first take the chance to relax and recuperate at Claridge’s Spa? The hotel's wellness facilities comprise a serene underground retreat that blends holistic rituals with cutting-edge treatments in a space inspired by Japanese temples and Zen gardens. Designed by André Fu, you'll find many natural elements like limestone, wood, and water wonderfully combined to form a calming atmosphere. Guests begin their spa journey with sensory rituals like foot ceremonies, incense choices, and seasonal teas. Moving on, you'll experience personalized treatments that include signature body and facial experiences from brands like MZ Skin, Augustinus Bader, and La-Eva.

The rest of the spa’s facilities are equally inviting, featuring luxurious treatment rooms with private bathrooms, male and female steam rooms and saunas, and an intimate relaxation pool. There's even a state-of-the-art fitness studio with top-grade equipment and on-demand personal trainers. Claridge’s Spa also has unique wellness experiences such as The Pink Room, which is a modern take on the classic hammam with pink onyx details.

Once you're rested and restored, you'll find many of London's finest locations are within walking distance or just a tube ride away. The British Museum is one of the world's greatest repositories of cultural and historical artifacts, protected and carefully studied for future generations. There's also Hyde Park, one of London's famed parks, which also hosts the city's events and activities. Buckingham Palace is also close by, though only open seasonally for tours. It is one of the most sought-after attractions in London, as it remains the official residence of the British Royal Family.

Claridge’s isn't just a hotel, it's a historic venue with plenty of experience in hosting amazing events. Those planning to celebrate a special occasion or arrange a function will find a suite of meeting and events spaces and services set in beautifully restored Art Deco settings. The hotel’s experienced events team collaborates with clients from the initial planning stages all the way to execution, tailoring each detail. They'll assist with room setup, layouts, creative catering, and decor, all to match the unique needs of every event.

Claridge’s also elevates its events offerings with seasonal experiences. This Christmas, for example, the hotel’s iconic Art Deco interiors are transformed with festive decorations, highlighted by a special designer Christmas tree installation in the lobby. Also on offer are delightful holiday lunches for your gatherings and celebratory dinners. Guests and groups can also enjoy curated festive menus and activities in elegant venues like The Foyer & Reading Room or Claridge’s Restaurant, making Claridge’s a deeply enticing venue for year-end celebrations.