Ah, The Connaught Hotel.
If you close your eyes and whisper it you can almost feel yourself entering into another realm. Set apart from the hustle and bustle of London, it nestles in Carlos Place, close to Mount Street in Mayfair and is dedicated to fine art and the finer things in life. When you visit, you know that you’re going to get their world famous levels of service. Like the neighbourhood they have been in since 1897, the ambiance is world class and welcoming and the moment you enter, you are encouraged to leave your cares behind.
Glide in and admire the interior of The Connaught Hotel, which has been embellished and infused with an independent and creative spirit, which effortlessly blends time-honoured skills with contemporary and future thinking ideas. Perfect for the modern traveller who has their eye on the good things in life and appreciates the quality and style of a bygone era.
It’s easy to see why The Connaught Hotel has garnered such an enviable reputation. Since the early 19th century, the hotel has been evolving into a place where trends are observed and yet time stops. An interesting and rather intriguing contradiction but one that keeps visitors coming back again and again to relive the experience.
The hotel has been in the hub of Mayfair Village since the early part of the 19th century and evolved into a historical London hotel in 1917, during the First World War, when it was named The Connaught after Queen Victoria’s seventh child, Arthur, later Prince Arthur, and Duke of Connaught.
Right in the heart of the neighbourhood, the hotel is loved for its winning combination of elegance and second to none service. With private butlers, Michelin starred dining, gorgeous bars and attention to detail, what more could you possibly wish for? As you take the historic staircase (rumour has it that the fashion designer, Ralph Lauren, was so enamoured that he had a replica of it installed in his flagship store on Madison Avenue, let the magic take hold.
Dining at The Connaught restaurants
The Connaught Grill has returned under the watchful eye of Jean-Georges Vongerichten, where he has created a modern interpretation of a classic grill with an open kitchen complete with wood- burning grill and rotisserie offering British sourced produce.
If you’re looking for something more formal, head to Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, which was awarded an amazing third Michelin star in 2021, where seasonal ingredients reign supreme.
Stepping into The Connaught Bar is a real treat. Here you’ll find a talented set of mixologists who create new concoctions and time honoured classics. You’ll need to take your time as you sip on a cocktail and admire the incredible interior – textured walls in platinum silver leaf, with a cool grey bar, reminiscent of English and Irish Cubist art of the 1920’s. There is also the Red Room, The Connaught’s first new bar in over a decade, which is an homage to amazing female artists and the world’s finest vintages.
Afternoon tea at The Connaught
Come and embrace a British tradition at the Connaught – but do it with a twist. Jean Georges Vongerichten sets a bright and lively scene for afternoon tea and the experience begins the moment you step inside. Curated art from Louise Bourgeois adorns the walls and the stained-glass windows are courtesy of Jean-Michel Othoniel, giving you the perfect excuse to watch the world go by. Choose from exotic teas or a glass of champagne and a range of finger sandwiches, where classic combinations mix with Jean- Georges’ passion for bold South East-Asian flavours. Don’t forget to try the fabulous English scones, which are prepared to a secret and time honoured recipe, served with Cornish clotted cream and homemade jam.
Whether you’re looking for a Mayfair city break or planning to book a whole suite, you’re in for a treat. Each room and luxury suite has been lovingly refurbished by renowned designers Guy Oliver and the late David Collins.
If the idea of a spring staycation is on your mind, the Mayfair city break is just for you. After enjoying the chilled champagne patiently waiting in your room, you are free to explore. Why not take a stroll along The Serpentine or visit some of the fabulous shopping destinations for a fashion fix. Return at tea time, to The Connaught Patisserie or collect some more ideas from the helpful concierges who are on hand to keep you busy until dinner – when you can enjoy some inspiring dining in one of their superlative restaurants.
