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“Arrogant and ignorant staff”

The Foyer & Reading Room
Ranked #701 of 27,407 Restaurants in London
Certificate of Excellence
Price range: ₹0 - ₹16,913
Cuisines: British
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Good for: Special Occasion Dining, Romantic
Dining options: After-hours, Breakfast, Dinner, Reservations
Neighbourhood: Mayfair
Description: The huge sparkling Chihuly light sculpture and grand art deco of the Foyer transforms this Mayfair restaurant into a magical dining space, whilst the inviting banquettes of the Reading Room allow for more intimate dining. Frequented by famous faces for over a hundred years, it's the perfect venue for a light meal, sipping cocktails and the best afternoon tea in London.
Reviewed 3 weeks ago via mobile

Very disappointed arrived on Sunday 10 November 10,4o am Asked for table for breakfast ,, the gentleman that greeted me was most unhelpful with a dismissive attitude I asked for a table not a liver transplant from him was asked to sit in reception customers came and went to a half full breakfast room. 15mins still waiting I try catch his or his colleague. Neither of them were interested. Left 25 minutes later ,,, hungry …..

Thank Greg T
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew Shorten, General Manager at The Foyer & Reading Room, responded to this reviewResponded 2 weeks ago

Dear Greg T,

Thank you for your review which I was most concerned to read. I have taken time to follow up on your experience and I am truly sorry we have failed to deliver our normal warm and personable welcome. As I am sure you can imagine weekend breakfasts are an exceptionally busy meal period, with priority give to in house guests and prior reservations. The team tried their best to prepare a suitable table for you as promptly as possible, but unfortunately were unable to locate you once this was ready. I am truly sorry for the most regrettable disappointment that has been caused and hope that we will have a future opportunity to welcome you back to Claridge’s. Should such an occasion arise, please make contact with me directly on ashorten@claridges.co.uk and I would be delighted to assist with your reservation enquiry.

With all good wishes,

Andrew Shorten
Director of Food & Beverage

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Reviews (1,645)
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3 - 7 of 1,645 reviews

Reviewed 28 September 2024

Disappointed. A lack of identity. A disconnect between 5 star dining and a coffee shop. It felt more business than couples.

    • Value
    • Service
Review collected in partnership with this restaurant
Thank Tinkevans
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tomas Zalimas, Other at The Foyer & Reading Room, responded to this reviewResponded 2 October 2024

Dear Tinkevans,

It is a pleasure for me to correspond with you this afternoon. It is with great disappointment to read your visit to the Foyer and Reading Room has not lived up to your expectations. Should you wish to discuss this further please reach to me directly via tzalimas@claridges.co.uk.

Yours sincerly,

Tomas Zalimas
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager

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Reviewed 24 September 2024

I came back to the very wonderful Claridges again for my sister's Birthday last week.

We were very excited to experience their quintessential afternoon tea, which is by far the best in London. It was a really gorgeous afternoon where we were spoilt with champagne and delicious treats throughout.

I would like to make a specific mention to the team at the hotel. Not only are they very accommodating, but their warmth and attention to detail is second to none. Thank you very much to Glenn, Ananya and Chris.

No wonder they are the top London hotel on the new 50 best! It is all thanks to the incredible team.

I can't wait to see you all again - Jack Simpson | JS Concierge

Date of visit: September 2024
    • Value
    • Atmosphere
    • Service
    • Food
Thank Jack S
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tomas Zalimas, General Manager at The Foyer & Reading Room, responded to this reviewResponded 30 September 2024

Dear Mr. Simpson,

Thank you for taking the time to write a review on this platform.

I am very pleased to hear you have enjoyed our traditional afternoon tea experience. I will be delighted to share your comments with Glenn, Ananya, Chris and the wider team at Foyer and Reading room.

Hopefully we will see you again in not too distant future.

Many thanks
Tomas Zalimas
Assistant Food and Beverage Manager

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Reviewed 17 August 2024

Upon arrival the place looked like a school dinner hall with tables crammed in and the noise was deafening not very ambient or floaty music… we were shown to the smallest stable that could barely take the standard table setting. The path for everyone was to walk past our table which occasionally bumped into my husband… the food was nice not out standing. But pleasant .. i can imagine that it Might be more tolerant and more personal in other months and not when the whole united emirates take up residence .. anyway lesson learned if I want to have the same experience I will just go to the pub for dinner

Date of visit: August 2024
Thank Sandra W
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer Howard, Other at The Foyer & Reading Room, responded to this reviewResponded 19 August 2024

Dear sandrawY1517FG,

it is a pleasure for me to correspond with you this afternoon although naturally I regret the circumstances. I was most concerned to hear of the shortcomings you have encountered during your recent visit to the Foyer and Reading Room. Should you wish to address your concerns further please do not hesitate to contact me directly via howard@claridges.co.uk.

Yours sincerely,

Jennifer Howard
Deputy Director of Food and Bevergae

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Reviewed 9 August 2024

Went for Afternoon Tea with great expectations, very disappointing, no silver serving stand for cakes, sandwiches had gone a little hard. Cakes were ok but not ‘wow’. Felt a bit like a conveyor belt of afternoon teas for profit and hotel had forgotten about the extra touches you expect from booking such a well known hotel. Have had better afternoon read for half the price!

Date of visit: August 2024
Thank Evie g
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer Howard, Other at The Foyer & Reading Room, responded to this reviewResponded 19 August 2024

Dear 664evieg,

I much appreciate the time and effort you have taken to share your feedback regarding your recent visit to the Foyer and Reading Room for afternoon tea. It was with much disappointment that I read of the shortcomings you have experience and would like to extend the opportunity to you to discuss those further with me, if agreeable please kindly contact me via jhoward@claridges.co.uk.

I hope to speak to you n due course and in the meantime send you my best wishes,


Jennifer Howard
Deputy Director of Food and Beverage

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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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