Cliveden

"Cliveden – The Cliveden Dining Room

Overview

Perched above the Thames in Taplow, Berkshire, Cliveden is a storied country house hotel wrapped in 376 acres of National Trust gardens. This five-star retreat is synonymous with British aristocratic glamour, making it an enticing destination for a gourmet weekend break within easy reach of London. The Cliveden Dining Room is its culinary jewel—a fitting setting for indulgent, romantic getaways and those seeking a taste of living history in the Home Counties.

Eat

The Cliveden Dining Room delivers modern British cuisine in a room that’s as dazzling as any in the country, with gilded walls, soaring windows and garden views. Under Executive Head Chef Christopher Hannon, the kitchen is committed to sharply seasonal British ingredients, drawing on local growers and the lush produce of Berkshire. Expect refined, contemporary plates focused on clarity of flavour and meticulous presentation—think hand-dived scallops, estate venison, and produce-led vegetarian dishes. Menus are à la carte at lunch and dinner, with classic technique underpinned by an unstuffy, quietly polished service. Afternoon tea is a cherished ritual, offered with delicate pastries and fine leaf teas, all served against the backdrop of gilded splendour. The restaurant is well rated by the AA and regularly tipped in national guides for its poised execution and sense of occasion.

Sleep

Each of Cliveden’s bedrooms and suites is unique, layered with antiques and plush, period detailing—think canopied beds, marble bathrooms and original art. Many offer views across formal parterres, woodland or the Thames. You’ll find the kind of old-school comfort that suits celebration weekends, honeymoons or simply those wanting a memorable escape with luxury at every turn. Service is discreet yet attentive, with thoughtful touches such as tailored pillow menus and Molton Brown amenities.

Retreat

Guests are spoiled for ways to unwind: the Cliveden Spa offers a full menu of treatments alongside its outdoor and indoor pools, hot tubs, and steam rooms. Take tea on the terrace, stroll through Italianate gardens, or head down formal pathways to the riverside for peaceful moments by the water. National Trust footpaths thread through woodland, while nearby Marlow and Henley beckon for riverside pub lunches and market-town pottering. Maidenhead station is a 10-minute taxi (less than 5 miles), with direct trains to London Paddington in about 35 minutes. With its blend of heritage, hedonism and natural beauty, Cliveden is an inviting base for a short escape devoted to indulgence.

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