Claridge's
This place is loved by 1 members
$$$$$
When in London, the handsome fashion designer/film director Tom Ford can always be found in the former smoking bar at Claridge’s (now the Lalique bar). And why would he go anywhere else? This is without doubt the most deeply chic and sophisticated spot to sleep, eat or drink in London, and it’s been that way for decades. During the Second World War exiled royalty from all over Europe fled their chateaux and took refuge in the Art Deco splendour of Claridge’s – and what a haven to have to hunker down in. True luxury today is defined by one-offs and there is no other hotel like Claridge’s. A celebration of 1930’s glamour, the calibre of guests that have passed through the hotel’s doors over the years is staggering. Dame Barbara Cartland ‘s secretary would confirm whether barb would be wearing pink or turquoise so that her table could be laid in the same colour scheme. Too fabulous. Pictures of Jackie O, Princess Margaret and all the major glamour pusses over the years adorn the walls. It’s like a bit of their star quality rubs off on you when you enter this bastion of fabulousness. After a day’s shopping be sure to take tea in the glittering Art Deco jewel of the Foyer with its magnificent high ceiling. For a more intimate tete a tete retreat into the Reading Room with its two Deco cut marble fireplaces, rich leather columns and suede walls (the corner banquette is the top spot to hold court and survey the scene). In a age when we are bombarded with hideous images of reality tv ‘stars’ no-knickering it for the paps there is something reassuring discreet about the A-listers who enjoy the strict no camera policy inside the hotel. Which is probably why royals, heads of state and major movie stars all call this home. Once you’ve swished through those famous revolving doors at Claridge’s and entered this magical, sparkly wonderland, nothing else compares.
Brook Street
Mayfair, W1
t: 020 7629 8860
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Richard on 18.03.10
When in London, the handsome fashion designer/film director Tom Ford can always be found in the former smoking bar at Claridge’s (now the Lalique bar). And why would he go anywhere else? This is without doubt the most deeply chic and sophisticated spot to sleep, eat or drink in London, and it’s been that way for decades. During the Second World War exiled royalty from all over Europe fled their chateaux and took refuge in the Art Deco splendour of Claridge’s – and what a haven to have to hunker down in. True luxury today is defined by one-offs and there is no other hotel like Claridge’s. A celebration of 1930’s glamour, the calibre of guests that have passed through the hotel’s doors over the years is staggering. Dame Barbara Cartland ‘s secretary would confirm whether Barb would be wearing pink or turquoise so that her table could be laid in the same colour scheme. Pictures of Jackie O, Princess Margaret and all the major glamour pusses over the years adorn the walls. It’s like a bit of their star quality rubs off on you when you enter this bastion of fabulousness. After a day’s shopping be sure to take tea in the glittering Art Deco jewel of the Foyer with its magnificent high ceiling. For a more intimate tete a tete retreat into the Reading Room with its two Deco cut marble fireplaces, rich leather columns and suede walls (the corner banquette is the top spot to hold court and survey the scene). In an age when we are bombarded with hideous images of reality tv ‘stars’ no-knickering it for the paps there is something reassuringly discreet about the A-listers who enjoy the strict no camera policy inside the hotel. Which is probably why royals, heads of state and major movie stars all call this home. Once you’ve swished through those famous revolving doors at Claridge’s and entered this magical, sparkly wonderland, nothing else compares.