Fiery-but-beloved British chef and businessman Gordon Ramsay now has half a dozen Michelin-starred restaurants in London, cementing his reputation as one of the capital's most gifted restaurateurs. In light of Ramsay's star status, you won't be surprised to learn that it's not easy to get a table at many of these top eateries, but our close relationship with the restaurants means we are often able to get our members in.
Making reservations
With the exception of Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's (see below), the booking policy for each restaurant is similar. Chances of obtaining a reservation are substantially increased the more notice we are given. Claridge's and Maze are always difficult to book, and often fill up 6-8 weeks in advance. York & Albany tends to be slightly more accessible, but still book up quite quickly. We can now book tables until the end of the calendar year, and if you're aiming to get a table during the holiday season, it's crucial that you firm up plans as soon as possible. For last-minute or late bookings, flexibility will improve your chances; you're more likely to get a reservation if you can dine before 7:30pm or after 9pm. At Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's, reservations are only taken up to two calendar months ahead of time. As the restaurant is usually fully booked for these two calendar months, please try to give as much warning as possible for the best outcome.
The Restaurants
Gordon Ramsay Royal Hospital Road
68-69 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HP
With three Michelin stars, this restaurant is Gordon's baby: everything he knows about food and dining culminates here. Chef Mark Askew, who's worked at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay since its inception, cooks unfussy French food that relies on the simple flavours of his high-quality, seasonal ingredients. Choose a favourite dish, something you've had elsewhere and enjoyed – you'll never have it prepared as well as it is here. Pale and light, with white-linen tablecloths, thin mirrors and slivers of dark wood, the décor is elegant and unassuming, which complements the intimate quiet atmosphere - most of the small tables are usually occupied by couples. The staff pre-empt customers' every move and request without being intrusive, and they'll explain everything on the menu to save diners any embarrassment. ‘I suggest the Prestige menu,' says Hernan Castro-Vidal, one of our restaurant experts. ‘The seven courses will give you an amazing sample of what Askew has to offer.'
Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's
Claridge's Hotel, 55 Brook Street, London W1S 1EY
Food is small, elegant and combines seasonal produce with continental twists: our members rate the roast rump of Cumbrian lamb, served in Parma ham with butternut squash and lemon and rosemary jus. The crowd is varied but mature, ranging from business people staying at the hotel to couples enjoying romantic dinners at the corner tables. It's a haven for oenophiles: the wine list runs to more than 400 kinds, and prices range from a reasonable range between £20 and £35, but you can also splash out on a bottle of 1982 Chateau Cheval-Blanc for a cool £3,000.
Maze
10 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6JP
Ramsay's collaboration with El Bulli alumnus Jason Atherton has resulted in a unique restaurant, serving eclectic, modern European cuisine in a tapas style. Tables are tucked in to a labyrinth of several seating areas – the result is a buzzy atmosphere, albeit one not appropriate for intimate meals or private chats. While à la carte dining is an option, Ten members tend to go for the tasting menu, sharing four to eight small plates per person. The menu changes seasonally and according to the availability of fresh, local ingredients, but sample menus include honey and soy-roasted quail with foie gras, Cornish crab mayonnaise with avocado, sweetcorn sorbet and Oscietra caviar. For dessert, there's pineapple carpaccio with coconut sorbet, seawood croquette and Malibu lime jelly, and peanut butter and cherry jam sandwich. There's an excellent, global wine list, and also an extensive selection of sake with food-matching recommendations assembled by specialist sommelier Xavier Chapelou.
Maze Grill
10 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6JP
Maze's younger, less formal, sibling has an open kitchen and is styled after New York's classic grill restaurants. Lots of light and wood dominate the surroundings; the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a menu ranging from traditional burger and fries to top-quality steaks (Aberdeen Angus and premium Wagyu beef both feature). The menu is designed to allow diners to select from a range of garnishes to accompany steak and seafood, as well as side dishes such as potato gratin, spinach with Gruyère, and braised carrots. For a special occasion, consider booking the butcher's block table – £95 per person for lunch, and £115 per person for dinner.
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