A historic event like a Coronation calls for grand celebrations, and what better way to celebrate than with a royal feast? Foodies and royal enthusiasts alike can look forward to indulging in sumptuous menus fit for a king this Coronation weekend – from traditional afternoon tea with a royal twist, to eco-conscious cocktails inspired by the King’s passion for sustainability.
Here are the Coronation menus to try leading up to and during the King’s Coronation, so grab a seat (or throne) and get ready to feast like a king.
JW Marriott Grosvenor House London
JW Marriott Grosvenor House London has long been a favourite among royalty, hosting a celebratory Coronation Ball for King George VI in 1937, the Coronation Year Ladies’ Night for Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, Queen Charlotte’s debutante balls, and the Royal Caledonian Ball. From April 3rd , Grosvenor House will continue this rich royal legacy and honour His Majesty King Charles III’s historic Coronation by introducing an Afternoon Tea inspired by both king and kingdom.
Using the finest produce across the United Kingdom, the menu celebrates coming together as a nation and pays tribute to the King’s passion for provenance and Great British fare. Seated in the elegant surroundings of the Park Room, you’ll begin with Ridgeview English Sparkling Wine, originally served at King Charles’s first state Banquet, followed by five limited-edition pastries created to represent the countries that make up the United Kingdom and each region’s produce.
There’s ‘Journey to the Highlands’ – a mousse with organic honey extracted from foraged heather in the Scottish Highlands; ‘English Rose’ – a jelly and cream pudding using handpicked strawberries from Kent and natural rose extract from gardens in Berkshire; and ‘Across The Irish Sea’ – a traditional Irish apple cake with layers of chilled English custard and organic Bramley apple compote from the orchards of Armagh, Northern Ireland.
WHERE: 86-90 PARK LN, LONDON W1K 7TN
WHEN: FROM 3RD APRIL
WEBSITE: WWW.PARKROOM.CO.UK
Royal Lancaster London
Indulge in Royal Lancaster London’s beautifully crafted and utterly indulgent royal themed afternoon tea, available from 28th April – 9th May, presented with a truly royal touch by the hotel’s talented team.
Expect an irresistible assortment of delicately crafted sandwiches, warm baked scones and deliciously royal sweet treats served in the hotel’s beautiful Hyde Café, washed down by a selection of the finest teas and a crisp glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne.
WHERE: LANCASTER TERRACE, LONDON W2 2TY
WHEN: 28TH APRIL – 9TH MAY
WEBSITE: WWW.ROYALLANCASTER.COM
Searcys At The Gherkin
Inspired by dishes from Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953, Searcys Coronation menu will feature delights including a Gloucester old spot pork pie with Kings’ ketchup, inspired by the old tradition in Gloucester to send a pie to the reigning monarch every Christmas, and a Coronation trifle, created using Searcys new signature gin, seasonal poached Lincolnshire rhubarb and, as a tribute to the new King, an edible postage stamp on top. The menu is £49 per person and will be available Coronation week across all Searcys venues, including St Pancras Brasserie.
There’ll also be a champagne masterclass and paired dinner at Searcys at The Gherkin on the 10th May, exploring the bottles favoured by royalty, including a Bollinger Rosé and Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut. With unforgettable views over the capital, end the evening with a lesson in sabrage (the art of opening a Champagne bottle with a sabre).
WHERE: 30 ST MARY AXE, EC3A 8EP
WEBSITE: WWW.SEARCYSATTHEGHERKIN.CO.UK
The Lane
In true Regal style, a selection of exclusively curated experiences will be on offer at The Lane, including festive bunting decorations, a reimagined Coronation Regency Afternoon Tea by Lily Vanilli and immersive Theatre Tours that take you on a Royal journey through the ages.
Set in the beautifully restored Grand Saloon, a marble-lined Regency room featuring twinkling chandeliers and a fine art collection, a special Coronation version of the ever-popular Afternoon Tea by Lily Vanilli will run from 19th April to the 10th May.
The tea will include savoury bites, warm scones with salted whipped butter, cream and homemade jams, as well as decadent cakes, decorated with royal touches and topped with gold crowns, paired with your favourite tea by Rare Tea Company.
WHERE: THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE, CATHERINE STREET, LONDON, WC2B 5JF
WHEN: 19TH APRIL – 10TH MAY
WEBSITE: WWW.THELANE.CO.UK
Galvin At Windows
Enjoy unparalleled views of Buckingham Palace and the Mall from the 28th floor of London Hilton on Park Lane, while indulging in a special Coronation tasting menu to celebrate the King’s Coronation.
Available 1st-6th May, the special five-course Coronation Menu has been created by Head Chef Marc Hardiman, who like His Majesty King Charles III, is passionate about using the best of seasonal and sustainable British produce. Each course of the Coronation tasting menu includes a nod to the King, starting with Herbs and Flowers, an ode to Highgrove; followed by a twist on baked cheesy eggs (rumoured to be the King’s favourite childhood dish) with a coddled St Ewes egg, cured ham and Montgomery cheddar; and seasonal vegetables presented as a ‘Garden Patch’ and seasoned with malt and wild herbs, referencing the King’s love of nature and gardening. The main course will feature Maran chicken (one of the breeds that the King keeps) accompanied by British peas, broad beans and wild garlic; finishing on a sweet note of one of His Majesty’s favourite desserts, a Lemon Cream, served alongside raspberries and meringue.
To continue celebrations on Sunday 7th May, book the Coronation Big Lunch and feast family-style with a table full of British flavours.
WHERE: 22 PARK LN, LONDON W1K 1BE
WHEN: 1-7TH MAY
WEBSITE: WWW.GALVINATWINDOWS.COM
Cheneston’s
Immerse yourself in the regal charm of the Royal Borough of Kensignton as we welcome the new monarch, where Cheneston’s will be serving a nine-course tasting menu to mark this historical moment with carefully crafted plates adorned with the finest British cuisine. Elevate the occasion with a wine pairing and toast to good fortune ahead. Elevate the occasion with a wine pairing and toast to the new King.
To make it even more special, book a private dining experience in their intimate dining venue, The Oratory, perfect for parties of 2 – 8 guests to host their own private royal feast.
WHERE: 1-3 KENSINGTON CT, LONDON W8 5DL
WHEN: 5-12TH MAY
WEBSITE: WWW.MILESTONEHOTEL.COM
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park
Inspired by the best of British heritage and quintessential afternoon tea dishes served at the Royal table, The Rosebery at Mandarin Oriental is offering guests an unforgettable Coronation Afternoon Tea in partnership with Highgrove – the private residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and The Queen Consort. The menu, named ‘Time For Tea with Highgrove’ includes The King’s Coronation Chicken, Clarence Court egg truffle sandwich, The King’s Cypher, freshly baked scones, alongside Highgrove’s organic damson jelly and organic strawberry preserve together with the estate’s organic English Breakfast and Earl Grey.
There’ll also be a special Coronation Menu at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, featuring reinvented dishes served at British Coronation banquets throughout the years, including Coronation Chicken Tart (King James II) and Veal Sweetbread (King George IV).
WHERE: 66 KNIGHTSBRIDGE, LONDON SW1X 7LA
WHEN: 17TH APRIL – 14TH MAY
WEBSITE: WWW.MANDARINORIENTAL.COM
Bentley’s Oyster Bar
Bentley’s Oyster Bar is serving up a selection of specials fit for royalty to celebrate the Coronation.
Dine on Bentley’s Smoked Salmon with crispy egg and caviar – a dish which Richard Corrigan cooked for Queen Elizabeth at her 80th birthday – as well as the iconic Royal Fish Pie, returning to the menu for a limited time only.
WHERE: 11-15 SWALLOW ST, LONDON W1B 4DG
WHEN: 6-7TH MAY
WEBSITE: WWW.BENTLEYS.ORG
The Goring
The closest luxury hotel to Buckingham Palace, The Goring has been a firm Royal favourite for many years and is the only hotel with a Royal Warrant for hospitality services. Since 1910, every reigning monarch has walked through the hotel’s doors, and they have two different Coronation offerings to celebrate this historic occasion.
A Coronation Afternoon Tea will be served in the five-star surroundings of the sun-kissed Veranda, overlooking The Goring Garden and “The Royal Border” (home to a selection of The Royal Family’s favourite plants and flowers). The menu features King Charles’ favourite cakes and sandwiches — from his much-loved Cream of Lemon to delicious sandwiches filled with produce from other Royal Warrant suppliers. Sweet treats are adorned with the CRIII insignia and crowns, made from the finest dark chocolate.
Meanwhile, a Michelin-Starred Coronation Tasting Menu will be available in The Dining Room, focusing on Welsh specialities and foraged ingredients to foreground the environmental philosophy that King Charles III celebrates. If you try one dish, make it the Coddled Clarence Court Egg with Fine Herb Garden Salad and Truffle Vinaigrette — The Goring’s take on one of His Majesty’s favourite dishes. Other dishes include Buttered Morel & Wild Mushroom “Vol Au Vent” with Wild Garlic Hollandaise and Smoked Pancetta; and White Chocolate and Lemon Cream, Bee Pollen Wild Honey & Chamomile.
WHERE: 15 BEESTON PL, LONDON SW1W 0JW
WHEN: AFTERNOON TEA: 24TH APRIL – 28TH MAY TASTING MENU: 5-8TH MAY
WEBSITE: WWW.THEGORING.COM
The Lanesborough
Commemorating the royal event of a lifetime, The Lanesborough Grill has crafted a limited-edition, brilliantly British five-course King’s Coronation Menu available exclusively for dinner from 2nd-12th May. Highlight dishes include the aptly named Coronation crab salad, and Rhug Estate hogget (one of His Majesty’s favourites) with Wye Valley asparagus, lamb sweetbreads, mint, and new season garlic. To finish, a selection of British cheeses served with Welsh cakes, followed by C.R.III; a surprise dessert to celebrate the historic moment.
To accompany the new menu, the hotel’s expert mixologists have created an English vodka martini-style cocktail, ‘The Kings Coronation’, with Fino sherry and citrus cordial, inspired by the classic Gimlet. The cocktail is finished off with a few drops of Peaty single malt whiskey, a favourite nightcap of His Majesty and is available in both The Lanesborough Grill and at the Library Bar.
WHERE: HYDE PARK CORNER, LONDON SW1X 7TA
WHEN: 2ND-12TH MAY
WEBSITE: WWW.OETKERCOLLECTION.COM
Trafalgar St James London
Treat yourself to a royal experience at Rockwell at The Trafalgar St. James London Hotel this Coronation weekend, where their Coronation Tipple Tea offers a royal twist on the bar’s Tipple Tea, an afternoon tea for cocktail lovers.
The tea will feature a selection of delicious indulgences, including Roast Coronation Chicken Mayonnaise Mini Bridge Roll, Smoked Salmon, King’s Crown Chocolate Cake and Mini Baked Custard Tartelette, along with three royal themed cocktails.
WHERE: 2 SPRING GARDENS, ST. JAMES’S, LONDON SW1A 2TS
WHEN: 4TH-18TH MAY
WEBSITE: WWW.TRAFALGARSTJAMES.COM
The Dorchester
The welcoming heart of The Dorchester, The Promenade, will present a royal take on its world-famous afternoon tea this Coronation weekend. Available from Friday 5th to Monday 8th May, executive pastry chef Michael Kwan has created a delicate selection of themed cakes, accompanied by exquisite sandwiches and a refreshing glass of Champagne and a gift for £125 per person.
Meanwhile, at The Dorchester’s new cocktail destination, Vesper Bar, the talented team will be serving a special ‘Sovereign Martini’ inspired by The King’s favourite tipple. The cocktail will be made up of Wessex gin, Royal Garden mead, dry vermouth, lavander bitter and orange scent, all presented in a delicate martini glass made bespoke for Vesper Bar.
WHERE: 53 PARK LN, LONDON W1K 1QA
WHEN: 5-8TH MAY
WEBSITE: WWW.DORCHESTERCOLLECTION.COM
CORD by Le Cordon Bleu
CORD by Le Cordon Bleu has unveiled a selection of celebratory dishes to mark the Coronation of King Charles III starring the classic Coronation Chicken recipe, originally created by Le Cordon Bleu in 1953. Renowned for the best education in the culinary arts, and they’ll be honouring the original Coronation Chicken recipe from 2nd to 5th of May.
CORD Café will serve a gourmet Coronation Chicken Bun comprised of the signature curried chicken breast recipe with a second layer of lettuce, cucumber and baby watercress sandwiched between thick slices of brioche. This will sit alongside a Fruit Tart made with pistachio pastry with a pistachio financier, rhubarb, compote, strawberry mousse, finished off with a wild strawberry glaze, a rhubarb cremeux insert and complete with a delicate golden crown lace. Both dishes can be enjoyed in CORD by Cordon Bleu Café or ordered to take away for the ultimate picnic in honour of the Coronation.
WHERE: 85 FLEET ST, LONDON EC4Y 1AE
WHEN: 2-5TH MAY
WEBSITE: WWW.CORDRESTAURANT.CO.UK
Palm Court at The Langham
If you’re looking for a royally good tipple this Coronation weekend, head to Palm Court at The Langham, where there’ll be a cocktail incorporating the King’s favourite Laphroaig whisky with Chambord, pineapple and lemon.
Meanwhile, in The Langham’s traditional British pub, The Wigmore, raise a glass to the King with the Take This Waltz Coronation cocktail, inspired by a classic English milk punch and named after the King’s favourite song by Leonard Cohen.
WHERE: 1C PORTLAND PL, LONDON W1B 1JA
WHEN: 5-8TH MAY
WEBSITE: WWW.PALM-COURT.CO.UK
TING at Shangri-La The Shard
TING’s ‘Skyline Afternoon Tea’ is as incredible as they come, featuring an extraordinary miniature Shard building for two to share – and this Coronation weekend they’ll be turning it red, white and blue to reflect the colours of the flag.
Served alongside a selection of finger sandwiches, savouries like beetroot heart with hibiscus powder and prawn cocktail with Marie Rose, and selection of the finest sweet treats, it’s bound to be the most Instagrammable spot this Coronation weekend.
WHERE: LEVEL 35, 31 ST THOMAS ST, LONDON SE1 9QU
WEBSITE: WWW.TING-SHANGRI-LA.COM
The Londoner
Leicester Square’s super-boutique hotel, The Londoner, will be raising a toast to the King at its pop-up martini bar in The Stage, in honour of the new King’s favourite tipple.
Three iterations of the martini will feature on the menu, including ‘His Majesty’ – a cocktail has been reimagined with flavours fit for a royal of the highest stature, like Belvedere vodka, Noilly Prat Dry and Veuve Clicquot. There’s also ‘Le Français’, inspired by the iconic French Martini, and the Homage, a tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, and a creative concoction of her favourite drink, Gin & Dubonnet, and a Martinez.
For a truly Royal treatment, enjoy a plate of Two Fine de Claire oysters with lemon crème fraiche and green tabasco dill oil alongside.
WHERE: 38 LEICESTER SQUARE, LONDON WC2H 7DX
WEBSITE: WWW.THELONDONER.COM
Sloane Place & The Sloane Club
Sloane Place and The Sloane Club, will be serving one of The King’s favourite dishes to celebrate his upcoming Coronation. Eat (quite literally) like a King whilst dining on the Truffle Porcini Mushroom Risotto with Wild Garlic, available from 6th to 8th May.
Choose the Roof Terrace at The Sloane Club for al fresco dining, the Garden Room for a refined setting, or Sloane Place Restaurant for a casual and contemporary backdrop.
WHERE: 60 LOWER SLOANE ST, LONDON SW1W 8BP
WHEN: 6-8TH MAY
WEBSITE: WWW.SLOANEPLACE.COM
By The Handbook