Rosewood London, the capital’s newest luxury hotel, recently
opened in Holborn, is set to take the city by storm.
The former headquarters of Pearl Assurance, this 1914 Belle
Epoque Edwardian building and the former site of the Chancery Court Hotel has
been metamorphosed into a rather swanky setting.
Designer Tony Chi has paid homage to the original building’s
heritage and, in what appears to be, a no- expenses-spared budget (an £85
million investment ) has turned it into a grand hotel. Modern infused with
Chinoiserie and a London vibe, this hotel is the epitome of luxury and yet
manages to be warm and welcoming. The seven-story Pavonazzo marble staircase is
simply jaw-dropping.
Chi has not only worked wonders with other hotel interiors
including the likes of the highly-acclaimed Park Hyatt Shanghai, but also has
created homes for the Cheng family whose company, New World Development, now
owns the Rosewood. The rooms have been furnished with flair and have all the
mod cons that you need. Although I did not slip between the high-quality
thread count sheets, I’m sure that spending a night here would be an
experience.
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| Grand Premier Suite |
You enter the hotel through two sets of wrought iron gates
that lead into a courtyard. If you have ever aspired to arriving at Downton
Abbey, then the Rosewood London should help satisfy your cravings.
On the right hand-side is the bar which is reminiscent of a
traditional London club complete with a roaring fire. Designed by Martin
Brudnizki, who is also responsible for the brasserie which opens in February,
it works well with the stunning gas lamps that adorn the front of the hotel.
This buzzy yet cosy bar, which also dishes up curries and casseroles, is where
you should head to when you want to turn going out for a drink into an
occasion. Sit in comfy armchairs with a cocktail while listening to a piano
player. The most popular is the Seine River Fizz (£12), a melange of Grey Goose
Vodka, Domaine de Canton Ginger, lime juice with basil leaves added to
Fentimans Victorian Lemonade and the bar’s bespoke Elderflower Foam.
After relaxing over an aperitif, we had dinner in the rather
splendid Mirror Room, which gets its name as you can guess from being decked
out in mirrors. The table and chairs are low, making it feel relaxed. Service is attentive and friendly.
The chef Bjorn van der Horst, who got a Michelin star when
he was executive chef at The Greenhouse, has concocted a menu which consists of
an array of delicate small dishes such as rose veal tatar, hamachi, citrus-soy
and lobster with endive, vanilla and brown butter.
There is a good selection of wines by the glass and the
sommelier is only too pleased to give recommendations. The dessert counter is
not to be missed.
With the arrival of Rosewood London, midtown has just got
cool.
By Daralyn Danns
Dinner for two costs approximately £130 for three courses
including wine. For more information visit www.rosewoodhotels.com
