Over the last year, I have had the wonderful privilege of working with Claridge’s, sharing A London Love Letter on their Instagram page; showing the little pockets of London that are special.
Ahead of the hotel re-opening on 17 May, I was invited to stay and experience Claridge’s as a guest, and understand why this hotel is so special to so many guests and why they return again and again.
Staying at Claridge’s was beyond my wildest dreams. We’ve had too many birthdays in lockdown and this was Mr B’s treat as much as it was mine.
In another year of staycations, there was no better place to have our first staycation than in London.
We left the house after breakfast and headed to the hotel to drop our bags. I wanted to explore a few of the art galleries. Aside from the shopping, there are many under-the-radar galleries in Mayfair.
With museums opening this week, you can take full advantage of the hotel concierge to secure bookings to some of the great sold out exhibitions on offer. All the new openings will run through to September 2021.
We headed back to the hotel for lunch and made a beeline for the Davies & Brook terrace. It was a beautiful day and we sat and enjoyed their famous seafood platter in the glorious London sunshine.
Eating at Claridge’s:
Davies and Brook
During lockdown, we had ordered the Davies & Brook takeaway dishes. They were the ultimate treat and didn’t disappoint, but it is so much more spoiling to be served in their restaurant. We shared the lobster roll, and then the seafood platter. It lives up to all the hype.
Fresh from the British shores, it was exquisite, and went down very nicely with delicious glass of rosé. We were done… until I saw another diner tucking into pudding. It was quite literally “I’ll have what he’s having” moment. It was rhubarb crumble and totally worth it!
Claridge’s Bar
Designed by David Collins, Claridge’s Bar is where you feel the party will be as London re-opens. Leather seats, vintage photographs and an art deco bar that shimmers.
Step outside and you find yourself on a delightful terrace. It’s cosy and has an exclusive feel. This summer they have done a collaboration with the Hotel Santa Catarina in Amalfi. They are serving up the hotel’s famous pizza and pasta alongside their regular terrace menu. All of which is mouthwateringly delicious.
Whatever the occasion, it is the perfect place; enjoy it with girlfriends, date night, family reunions or birthday celebrations.
Staying at Claridge’s
Staying at Claridge’s was a dream come true.
The luxury of staying in another bed after 18 months of being at home was more than exciting; the his and her bathroom was a highlight!!
There was a birthday cake, cookies and my own wax sealed letter from the hotel on the table as we came in – very personal and makes you feel special. It is always the little things that mean so much.
I felt like I’d died and gone to heaven for 24hrs, but isn’t that what a real staycation treat should feel like after staying at home for so long?
Exploring Mayfair
Shopping in Mayfair
New on the block is Browns Fashion on Brook Street, between Claridge’s and New Bond Street. High-end edgy fashion with the most beautiful hidden garden serving food by Native.
Close by there is Taschen Books and Fenwick’s, which is so underrated, a real gem and never as busy as Selfridges. Head down to Piccadilly and wander around Fortnum’s – always such a joy. Avoid Oxford St at all costs. Regent Street though is another story all together, and only a short walk away.
Art in Mayfair
There are several cool art galleries in Mayfair. In June this year, the annual Mayfair Art Weekend returns with a Mayfair Art and Mayfair Sculpture Trail.
A few of my favourite galleries in the area are: The Halcyon Gallery – always with a variety of art to enjoy from digital to sculpture to contemporary paintings, PACE alongside the Royal Academy, Gagosian and White Cube off Jermyn Street.
Savile Row is also worth a wander. You may be thinking tailors, but it has some very interesting art galleries.
Staycations in London
This is the ultimate staycation I know, but then we have had a desperate year, and I look at life now with an eye on quality, not quantity. I can’t see us going away in the near future, so if you feel the same, treat yourself! It may be an overnight stay, a special meal, or an afternoon tea. One thing Claridge’s will leave you with is a wonderful memory to cherish.
Claridge’s Hotel
Brook Street, Mayfair.