Claridge's

Readers of our review of Claridge's both as an hotel and an afternoon tea venue will know that I have very little to fault and would quite like to take up permanent residence, if only someone could improve London's weather.

It is unsurprising to find that they serve a fine Eggs Benedict here. Beautifully presented on their signature striped china and labelled "Eggs Benedictine" all the vital ingredients were present and correct - muffin, lightly poached egg, a tangy Hollandaise and tasty ham. However a small decadent slice of black truffle had been added as garnish to provide a touch of class. I was neither for or against this innovation, but I was against the presentation taking precedence over content to the point where the muffins and ham had both been cut out in small circles to perfectly match the diameter of the poached egg. Very pretty but not very filling and personally I prefer a bit more food at breakfast.

This is a smallish quibble however. Certainly on latest showings Claridge's efforts beat the Wolseley's - better too little muffin than too much.