The Dining Room At Dukes

Wow!! Saw this on “Somebody feed Phil” and have wanted to go ever since especially been a mad Bond fan. This spot just oozes class and sophistication. Beautiful spot and very cozy. We managed to get a table and were served by the man himself. Really really super cool and we just loved it! A highlight of the trip and we will be back!

Apparently you can’t drink there if you are not a hotel resident! A colleague had booked a table in the restaurant understanding from the Dukes Bar write ups on social media that with a restaurant reservation you could enjoy a drink in the bar before or after. We had booked because I love a martini and this is the bar to go to in London. We arrived before our dinner reservation and told that as we weren’t residents we couldn’t drink there it was residents only and that the bar was under separate management on the restaurant making it sound like a different organisation. I showed my restaurant reservation and was told to go downstairs as they couldn’t seat me in the bar. I was dismissed by 3 haughty barmen in white jackets and sent downstairs. Embarrassing as a single woman arriving on her own and waiting for her colleague. Went downstairs and the charming host behind the bar made a great martini whilst I told her of my experience. I have worked in London for over 35 years and never been to Dukes… should have asked myself why! Won’t be going again.

Sitting in Duke's at the moment with a cocktail and wanted to post a review while it was still fresh in my mind. Bravo to the maitre'd whom I witnessed turn away numerous people off the street who were dressed in ratty attire and even one fellow who had a dog in his arms. Animals have no place here and I was thrilled to see that fellow get a proper lesson that his dog is not on level footing with people no matter what these nutty animal worshippers think. He actually tried to argue his case but the maitre'd held his ground. This really made my day.

We arrived early. We arrived before anyone else was waiting to get into Dukes bar opened at 15:00. From 14:40 were guided to a table to wait. Three members of staff told us that we could be seated and we were first in the queue. We specifically asked is there a quering system and we were assured we would be all fine and we were first here. The queue from the front of the door to Dukes bar built up. We spoke to a further member of staff who acknowledged we had been their for the longest time and they would get us a table and everything would be fine and dandy. The lobby begins to fill at 5 to 3. 15:00 comes. The doors open, the public flood in. We leisurely get up from our table in the foyer to be told they are all completely full. The staff members who told us we would have a table had fled. No-one would take ownership. The bar staff didn 't care and just shrugged until we left. Absolute travesty of customer service.

My husband was treated to a martini afternoon tea by his colleagues for his birthday, so we decided to give it a try. The restaurant had a lovely setting, bustling with people enjoying a special afternoon out. The food and tea selection was nice, and we especially enjoyed the three mini martinis that were all delicious. The service was also good.