Update Dec 2016: We went to Fera at Claridges again (see original review below) and had a sublime tasting menu. Expensive, £110 for 7 courses but the quality was superb. Things to look out for are the ‘Seaweed cracker, lemon sole, sea herbs’ , the Cornish lamb, chervil root, crosnes, seeds and cocoa nib – best lamb I’ve ever tasted and the two desserts both as good as each other – Stout ice cream, buckwheat and verjus and the ‘Cox’s apple, marigold sorbet, oak meringue’.
Even better, is this years Claridge’s Xmas Tree. They have a history of great decorations, in 2015 they had Christopher Bailey’s creation that featured over 100 umbrellas, each finished in bespoke gold and silver metallic fabric, and thousands of motion-sensor lights, programmed to sparkle and glitter as guests walked by the tree.
Claridges 2015 Xmas Tree For Burberry
In 2014 Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana designed Claridge’s Christmas Tree for a second year in a row. ‘Inspired by their childhood memories and to celebrate children of the world, the eight metre-high tree brought a magical woodland to life in the heart of Mayfair. The tree was also adorned with glass baubles that were hand-painted with international flags representing the many festive traditions celebrated the night before Christmas’.
‘The installation features four-metre high light boxes that glow with black and white photographic images of snow covered silver birch trees, set on a pure white floor. Against this backdrop, rise cast models of Scots pine, layered with both natural and photographed silver birch and fir trees, reaching to a canopy of natural green pine.’
Claridges Xmas Forest 2016
Here’s a video we took and the scene also includes birdsong. The whole visit was a feast for all the senses. if you’re going to see the London Xmas Lights you must pop in and take a look.
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Claridge’s Update May 2015: Simon Rogan of Great British Menu fame and whose restaurants L’Enclume , Pig & Whistle (in Cumbria) and Mr. Cooper’s House (Manchester), we’ve previously reviewed, took the helm at Claridge’s in place of Gordon Ramsay’s departure 18 months ago. We received this review of Fera from BBS friend Paul, Lieutenant no. 1. The meal was excellent and the service incredibly friendly and efficient…..
‘Excellent food in a superbly stylish Art Deco setting. The rabbit with snails for main and the chocolate dessert were incredible. Amazing access too!’.
Fera at Claridge’s – Beautiful Art Deco With a Touch of Earthiness
One of the Many Snacks Served Between Courses – Rabbit Enclosed in Savoury Crust With Lovage Sauce
With regard to access there is a small step to enter Claridge’s but there is of course a doorman to help you. There is a ramp (covered in plush carpet), with hand rails next to the entrance stairs of which there about 5/6. Fera is a short distance to the left of the ramp and the doorway fits a regular wheelchair but there is another rarely used entrance available for very wide access. The restaurant is slightly darker than daylight but there is ample room to move around and the tables are a good fit for a standard wheelchair. The disabled toilet is a short distance from the entrance to the restaurant, immediately right of the ramp. As you can see from the photo it only has 2 bars, is spacious but the basin is not at wheelchair height.
Nevertheless this superb restaurant gets a maximum 3 BBS Ticks as it’s the epitome of style with great food and service, without being ‘stuffy’. Expensive at £80/head without wine but with all the extra snacks between courses it’s well worth it – a real treat for the eyes and mouth!
Disabled Toilet at Claridge’s – Only 2 Bars & How Do You Reach The Cord ?
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Gordon Ramsay at Claridge’s has been audited and it is totally accessible, there is space between tables and a disabled toilet. The disabled toilet isn’t in the actual restaurant it’s in the lobby of the hotel but its not far at all. The only problem might be walking with sticks on the plush carpet.
