The
Savoy Hotel first opened its doors to the public in 1889 and is arguably best known for one of its three
restaurants,
The Savoy Grill.
In the early days the Savoy Grill employed world-renowned chef Auguste Escoffier and it is he who is responsible for setting the high standards to which the restaurant has always adhered. He is acknowledged as the "father" of haute cuisine and invented many famous dishes for the hotel guests whilst working at The Savoy, including the famous Peach Melba dessert.
The restaurant is known as a place where influential people from the world of business, politics and the arts gather - it almost has the air of a private club. According to the hotel website, Winston Churchill was a regular diner at The Savoy Grill and his table, (no. 4), was left unoccupied for a year after his death as a mark of respect.
The Savoy Grill is still recognised as one of the best restaurants in the country.