The best £1m you'll ever spend

There’s a bargain going for a four-night stay at London’s five-star Goring Hotel, which has a secluded city garden

There’s a bargain going for a four-night stay at London’s five-star Goring Hotel, which has a secluded city garden. The Middleton family booked the entire hotel for last year’s Royal Wedding and the deal is for four nights in the “Royal Suite” – where Kate Middleton spent her last night as a “commoner” – for the upcoming Diamond Jubilee weekend (June 2nd-6th).

You also get the use of a chauffeur-driven Bentley and a horse and carriage ride that retraces the Queen’s original Coronation route. Also thrown in are afternoon tea for two, a gourmet dinner and a bespoke diamond from De Beers. The four-day package costs £1 million. “We understand it is a niche product, as it is definitely the most luxurious Diamond Jubilee package on the market,” said a spokesman for the hotel. “You definitely save money with the package,” he said. “The De Beers diamond itself is worth £1 million, so with additional services like the horse and carriage and chauffeur-driven Bentley, you get more than your money’s worth.” That’s one way of looking at it.

Or you could justtake in the atmosphere at the Goring by having a Diamond Jubilee cocktail in their bar . The 1952 is based on a royal favourite – gin martini with just a dash of Noilly Prat vermouth. It’s a snip at £120 a glass. God save the overdraft.

Brian Boyd

Brian Boyd

Brian Boyd, a contributor to The Irish Times, writes mainly about music and entertainment