I have to admit that I feel a little wrongly dressed for a stay at The Mayfair Townhouse. We are both wearing sensible clothes for a ramble around the streets of London, a few layers, comfy shoes, that kind of thing.
Something a little more creative, dare I say flamboyant, is perhaps needed?
The Mayfair Townhouse is a collection of 15 former Georgian townhouses in Half Moon Street, just off Piccadilly. The street was built in the 1730s and is famed for being the setting for Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. It was apparently ‘a colourful haunt for bachelors, bohemians and artistic types’ and so, as I say to my husband, it seems rather rude not to at least try and emulate the air of the dandy gentleman.
He’s having none of it. But The Mayfair Townhouse certainly makes the most of its historic legacy. The hotel, which opened three years ago has created a world of witty glamour and luxury. We step inside to find walls saturated with deep, rich colours and highlights of gold. There’s a medley of quirky artworks throughout the hotel, including some playful nods to Oscar Wilde and a few foxy gentlemen – the fox being the hotel’s motif, they crop up everywhere.
The Dandy Bar is at the centre of the hotel, just a quick step from the street. It has a members’ club feel – a hideaway from the world outside, a place to settle in and lounge for a few hours over a cocktail or two.
The cocktails are alone worth a visit. The Not So Picante is a real kick of a cocktail and the Ring-around the-Rosemary on the signature list is a divine mix of fresh juices, bitters, egg white, BarSol and rosemary. I was once told a rule by an esteemed Devon bartender – one cocktail is never enough, three is too many. Always stop at two, he said. It would be very easy to overindulge at the Dandy Bar.
The bar provides an all-day dining option. The menu, with its options to fit both tastes and appetite size, suits the comings and goings of hotel guests and visitors, which in turn creates a lively atmosphere, all aided by the wonderful Sam on front of house. For our evening meal he guides us through the choice of light bites and small plates, mains and sides. You can dip into whatever you fancy, in whatever order you choose. With the soft lighting and background sound of the cocktail shaker it feels relaxed, leisurely and slightly decadent.
There are homely mains like fish and chips, rib eye and risotto, but also ‘nourish bowls’, wonderful salads packed with fresh veg, grains, pickles and dressings. The Townhouse Burger is a well-made classic, and there is a good feast of sides to go with everything.
The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites, created within the townhouse terrace setting, and so all are individual, some suites have their own private patios. Ours looks across the rooftops of Half Moon Street and has a separate lounge area and marbled bathroom, in addition to the large bedroom. The use of black furniture, gold trimmings, velvet and flashes of red upholstery gives it an opulent feel. It’s quiet too and the super comfy bed makes for a perfect night’s sleep.
The mix of gourmet treats in the room’s minibar and a copy of the Oscar Wilde classic on the bedside is a great added bonus.
Following a busy breakfast in the lower ground Club Room, there’s time to step out and wander into the heart of Piccadilly. This hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the iconic London sites and locations, and if in any doubt about what to do, the hotel’s concierge team will step in and give you their insider knowledge.
The Mayfair Townhouse provides London glamour with a fun, eccentric edge, which is a totally fitting way to celebrate its history and illustrious setting. And even if you aren’t dandily dressed, you’ll certainly leave the next day with a sense of bonhomie and a spring in your step.
themayfairtownhouse.com
