Lunch at The Savoy

We're true believers of celebrating birthdays properly in my family. I can never understand people who don't get excited by a birthday?! My wonderful mummy turned 60 this year and as part of her celebrations, my dad treated us all to lunch at The Savoy in London. It was such a special occasion and one of the most incredible lunches ever.

Located in the heart of London on The Strand, The Savoy is one of London's most renowned five star hotels. Built in 1889, The Savoy was infact the very first luxury hotel in London to have electric lights and lifts throughout the building and en-suite marble bathrooms in most of the glamourously decorated rooms, many of which overlook the River Thames. This year marks The Savoy's 125th birthday and the history and the glamour of the hotel still sparkles and delights. As soon as you arrive you are transported into a world of total luxury. It's no wonder that some of the true greats - Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, The Beatles and so many more - were regular guests here. 

There are several restaurants and bars to choose from within the hotel: each highly regarded for their service. Whether you're after a five course dinner, 1920s cocktails or afternoon tea, The Savoy caters impeccably. Dad booked us a table at The Savoy Grill, one of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants and probably the most famous restaurant in the hotel. The Grill opened in 2010 after a refurbishment which has been truely successful in retaining character and glamour from years past. 

Upon arrival to the hotel you are greeted by traditionally British doormen in full attire: suitcoats, ties, gloves and top hats. They look adorably smart and the service you receive cannot be faulted. In fact I would go as far as saying that the staff at The Savoy give the best service in the world, they are so eager to please and apparently if you're staying overnight you don't queue to check in, instead they escort you to your room and check you in on route! We were taken into the main lobby of the hotel where we sat on some plush sofas and waited for Dad to arrive from parking the car! It was fun to sit and people-watch for a bit, working out who was there for a special occasion and who was just popping in casually for Sunday lunch, as you do...!! It's amazing how the other half live! So obviously we wasted time taking a few photos...

We then made our way into The Savoy Grill which is near the Strand entrance of the hotel. It was like stepping back in time to a by-gone era. The Grill has been decorated with an elegant 1920s feel with warm lighting from art-deco glass chandeliers, wood panelling on the walls and a real 'dining room' feel to it. It is so cosy! We were taken over to our lovely big round table and given the yummiest bread selection to enjoy whilst reading the fabulous menu...

All the staff were fantastically friendly and polite and the service throughout the meal continued to impress. I didn't fancy a starter but the rest of my family really enjoyed theirs - there was constant 'mmmm'ing going on throughout the entire meal! For my main I chose the pan-fried cod with butternut squash purée and wilted spinach. It was absolutely divine - it sounds cliche but it was literally melt in your mouth yummy. 

...All enjoyed with a glass of the best Sauvignon blanc, from New Zealand obviously as mummy is a Kiwi! 

After our main course my sister and I went to use the loo and had a wander. To get to the toilets you walk back through the lobby and past the Thames Foyer, where you can enjoy the most delicious afternoon teas. Next to the Thames Foyer is a shop selling all different kinds of tea from over the world - The Savoy is world famous for tea!! Quintessentially British I guess! There is also the most magnificent chocolatier selling a mouth-watering selection of chocolates, cakes and macarons... 

As you can imagine the toilets are very lavish, with large marble basins, huge mirrors and grand furniture.

On our way back to the table we sneakily spoke to one of the waiters and asked them to surprise Mum with a little birthday treat. I'm so glad we did because they bought out a plate with the cutest little iced cake complete with a candle and chocolate ganache dribbled perfectly on the plate spelling out 'happy birthday'. All the waiters sang happy birthday and lots of the restaurant joined in! Mum was absolutely delighted!

Prior to our desserts arriving, we were also presented with a mini dessert selection to share, which consisted of the best raspberry macaron I have ever tasted, a mini millionaire's shortbread, meringue... and I can't remember what else if I'm honest but they were absolutely delightful, infact I think this was my favourite part of the meal! The presentation of all our food was faultless, everything was so immaculate.

It was then time for tea which was served in beautiful silver teapots...

After our lunch we had some family photos outside, taken by one of the lovely doormen... who we tipped of course!

If you're thinking of visiting, definitely book ahead as it seemed that tables get snappped up quickly. My dad reserved our table a few weeks in advance. You can visit The Savoy Grill website here.

Lunch at The Savoy was incredible from the moment we arrived to the moment we left. The warm welcome, the service, the food, the presentation and the ambiance of the restaurant was all exceptional, I'd definitely give it a big fat ten out of ten. It was such a special place to dine and such a treat to be treated like royalty, but not in a 'you don't belong here' kind of way. I guess it was everything you would expect from such an establishment! Yes, it's pricey as one would expect but perfect for a big celebration. My mum had a wonderful 60th!

Lydia xxx