HIVE Restaurant at Selfridges

Exceptional Service and Delectable Honey-Inspired Cuisine!

Oh, Hive at Selfridges, with its third-floor perch, could easily be mistaken for just another passage amidst the designer threads and overstuffed shopping bags. Yet step inside, and you’re greeted by an industrious buzz akin to a honey-filled hive, promising delightful bites to any weary shopper needing respite from retail warfare. The moment I immersed myself in this open-air brave new dining concept, I couldn’t help but find it both honey-sweet in thematic elements and slightly melodramatic for its grand statements. You see, the restaurant has gone all out on bee-centric decor and menus inspired, as expected, by their buzzy namesake. Amidst hanging plants and elegantly cramped tables, you’d feel delighted if your palette dances at the sweetness infusing most dishes. Yet, even with the occasional culinary hiccup—a lavender mention perhaps added more for an elusive flair than a detectable flavor—Hive's atmosphere remains charmingly heady.

As singing waiters flutter about like efficient worker bees, one name drawn praise worthy of inclusion in Hive’s anthem: Ismael, the kind soul behind some of my best steadfast lunchtime recommendations. The service is beyond reproach, with staff like Hassan and the dauntless crew taking their roles with such flourish that you forgive them the odd menu misfire or disappearing dessert. Nestled in the cozy corner, tasting a formidable Wagyu burger (though probably less triumphant if you admit to past McDonald's indulgences), I couldn't resist admiring the honeycomb coup de maître: marrying ambiance with culinary intrigue. Admittedly, the pricing clings to a rarefied air above common sense, yet one might just embrace ‘less is more’ for a haven amid the haute couture shuffle. So while Hive plays risky games between quintessentially British scones’ specialty and scarce afternoon sandwiches, one pays tribute to its zestful staff—because an after-shopping Lysander fritters match surely demands the spirit of camaraderie Hive exuberantly nurtures. — Penelope Savory