High-end Claridge’s restaurant ‘excel’ in catering for Halal

By Rehan Siddiqui

Severn & Wye smoked salmon, celeriac remoulade, buckler sorrel and rye crumb

I took my wife and six-year-old daughter to Claridge’s for dinner. It was my wife’s birthday. We had been to Claridge’s before and found the experience to be truly excellent.

As a Muslim family, before we visit anywhere, I telephone the establishment, get a verbal Halal verification to include, meat, sauces, desserts, alcohol and utensils, and then we ask for an email confirmation (see below).

Puglia Burrata, heritage tomatoes, aubergine puree and toasted fregola panzanella

Most high-end establishments are very supportive and gracious, mashallah; Claridge’s excelled in this and supported us with the relevant information throughout our culinary experience with them. I felt very reassured; Claridge’s knew that it wasn’t just about the meat being Halal.

For starters, we had the Severn and Wye smoked salmon, celeriac remoulade buckle sorrel and rye crumb. We also had the Puglia Burrata, heritage tomatoes, aubergine puree and toasted fregola panzanella.

Tournedos of Aberdeen Angus beef, red wine jus, Mousseline potatoes, roast tomatoes, broad beans and peas

Eton Mess

We knew from previous experience that the food would be amazing; and I can report that on this visit also the starters were so fresh, in particular the Burrata cheese, which, being similar to mozzarella, was cool and soft, and went down smoothly.

For mains we had the Tournedos of Aberdeen angus beef, mousseline potatoes, roast tomatoes and spinach and a steak – it was all served hot, with the meat being cooked perfectly for my choice of medium rare, while my wife had hers slightly more well done.

For dessert, I stole a knickerbocker glory from the children’s menu and my wife had an eton mess.

Our daughter chose from the children’s menu, which again can easily be adapted to Halal requests. My daughter had a penne pasta in a creamy sauce with chicken.

Vanilla and chocolate Knickerbocker glory

We were all so well looked after. The food and the staff are exemplary in their service and presentation. There’s no snootiness at Claridge’s, only down to earth excellent service.

The staff make you feel like family, which is one of the reasons we returned. God-willing, we will return again when the Covid situation is more under control.

I would like to end by saying: yes, £130 per head is not to everyone’s budget. However, even for those who wouldn’t consider Claridge’s as an option, I do strongly recommend that if somehow you can manage it, go for it. It’s not a waste of money; it’s paying for a world-class culinary experience – try it – even if it is just the once!

Claridge’s
Brook Street, Mayfair, London, W1K 4HR.

T: +44 (0)20 7629 8860 | W: www.claridges.co.uk | E: [email protected]

Opening Hours:
Breakfast Mon-Sund 07:00-23:00 | Lunch 12:00-13:30 | Afternoon Tea 14:45-17:30 | Dinner 19:00-23:00