
8 minute read
Luxury London Stay
Brown’s Hotel
Founded back in 1837, this iconic luxury hotel has welcomed the likes of royalty, presidents and literary greats over the centuries and today blends traditional historical elegance with modern luxury and sophistication. Unmistakably British, Brown’s Hotel is perfectly positioned in the heart of Mayfair, ideal for exploring the plethora of galleries on its doorstep or shopping iconic streets such as Savile Row and Bond Street.
Make sure you don’t spend too much time soaking up the surroundings as there’s plenty to see inside. From the moment you walk through the front door, you are welcomed into a vibrant space with nature inspired feature walls and classically styled yet modern furnishings.
Renowned the world over, Afternoon Tea is a luxury London hotel staple and Brown’s is no exception. Offered in The Drawing Room which features traditional wood panel walls and plush seating, the Brown’s Afternoon Tea is an event not to be missed. Arrive early or leave late to make time for it, you won’t be disappointed.
Continue through The Drawing Room and you will happen across Brown’s hidden gem, the spectacular Donovan Bar. Boasting cocktails from star mixologist Salvatore Calabrese along with offerings from his famed drinks cabinet featuring some of the rarest bottlings in the world, you will be sure to indulge in mixes and flavours you’ve never experienced before.
The star of the show however has to be Charlie’s. Immediately striking to the eye with vibrant botanicals combined with antique paneling adorning the walls, the dining space is inviting, refined and exciting, setting you up for what’s to come. Overseen by Adam Byatt and headed up by acclaimed chef Matthew Starling, Charlie’s brings British culinary heritage to the fore in a contemporary


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manner with substantial creative flair. Beautiful classics such as dressed Devon crab with lightly spiced courgettes and lovage and whole Dover sole, grilled or pan fried with caper butter combine with the likes of Parmesan risotto with shaved truffle and warm salad of courgettes and courgette flowers with cashew hummus and lovage.
From succulent Sunday roasts and traditional classics served on Brown’s sparkling silver trolley, to tempting sharing plates and mouth-watering desserts, this is the quintessential contemporary British restaurant. The service in Charlie’s however remains traditionally British, so expect only the finest.
Once you’ve indulged sufficiently in the restaurant and bar, it’s time to retire to your room. Uniquely individual and quintessentially British, the 82 hotel rooms and 33 luxury suites have been designed by Olga Polizzi to offer unparalleled comfort and style. Inspired by the hotel’s esteemed literary heritage and distinguished former guests, each of the rooms and suites harmonise stunning period features with contemporary flair.
Spacious and inviting, you’ll feel right at home among one-of-a-kind artworks, handcrafted artefacts and wallpapers by English designers. Beautifully appointed in muted shades with lively pops of colour, the rooms and suites boast effortless elegance, overlooking the surrounding iconic Mayfair streets and sophisticated boutiques.
To make your stay extra special, all guests have access to the hotel’s chauffeured Bentley Mulsanne and at request, your In Room Bar can be stocked with their delicious, healthy Rocco Forte Nourish menu or child-friendly snacks as part of the Rocco Forte Kids programme.
Suite guests receive further luxurious benefits including refreshing welcome drinks, complimentary spa treatments and personalised Concierge services before and during their stay.
The spa is one of Brown’s best kept secrets. Soothe your senses in the tranquil subterranean sanctuary right in the heart of London, with highly skilled therapists who will help you relax with a pampering beauty treatment or restorative massage, using the finest organic products.
Balance mind, body and spirit with one of their signature Forte Organics Rituals, enjoy an indulgent manicure or drift into bliss with a hot stone treatment. One of the best spas in London, The Spa at Brown’s offers the bespoke Irene Forte Skincare range, made from natural, mineral-rich ingredients grown at their Verdura Resort in Sicily.
Brown’s have taken steps to ensure both staff and guests remain safe during the pandemic and are on hand to assist with anything you might need either before or during your visit. It is advised that you check the website or contact the hotel directly when booking if you have any questions on queries with regard to the current regulations.


Down Hall
HOTEL & SPA
With staycations being the top of the agenda for travel this year, what better way to celebrate the autumn and winter with a stay in a venue that champions the English countryside.
Located on the Essex/Hertfordshire border, less than half an hour from central London, Down Hall has not only played host to this year’s Great British Bake Off, but boasts spectacular scenery with luxurious surrounds.
With 110 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, guests are invited to wrap up warm and explore. From a magical fairy garden and old Italian lake to a hedged tennis court and rolling meadows. Three walking trails for all abilities allow for a great opportunity to immerse yourself in nature whether young or old.
The stunning historic property offers 98 modern bedrooms. The Classic and Executive bedrooms are spacious and comfortable, while the Feature rooms enjoy stunning views across the landscaped gardens. Carefully decorated to reflect the grandeur and elegance of the building, many of the rooms have been recently refurbished and feature modern bathrooms, opulent colour schemes and luxurious furnishings.
The newly created Liddell Suite, includes a ‘real flame’ fire and integrated cabinetry with double doors opening through into the bedroom with a feature bath at the foot of the bed. While the Mansion House Suites, situated in the historic Mansion House building, offer a separate living area with balconies overlooking the magnificent gardens of the hotel, as well as generously sized bathrooms with baths and separate walk in showers.
Another plus of the hotel during these trying times is the number of spacious lounges that have been reconfigured to support social distancing. The hotel is AA COVID Confident accredited and officially been approved by Visit Britain as ‘Good To Go’ so guests

needn’t worry and are able to spend more time relaxing.
Speaking of relaxing, Down Hall is also home to Eden Spa. A tranquil haven to escape daily life, the spa offers a huge array of beauty and body treatments as well as facials, manicures and pedicures.
With four treatment rooms comprising three single rooms and one double room for couples, guests can opt for one of the many ESPA treatments including Swedish Massage and the Espa Express Rose-quartz Facial Massage.
The highlight however, has to be the Wet Spa. Designed to help relax the body and the mind, the Wet Spa facilities include a large hydrotherapy pool maintained at 36 degrees to soothe aches and pains, scented detoxifying steam room, and a warming sauna.
Committed to serving up the freshest of produce, grown in the hotel’s own kitchen gardens in addition to supporting local suppliers, guests will not be disappointed with Down Hall’s dining choices.
The Grill Room restaurant serves exciting dishes from a modern English menu. Standout dishes served in the elegant restaurant include, apple glazed mackerel with cucumber yoghurt and samphire; spiced butternut squash soup; celeriac and chestnut mushroom lasagne with truffle; and rib eye steak. A number of sweet treats, innovative cocktails such as the Down Hall Signature with Bepi Tosolini amaretto, Calvados Quinta Prelada port and egg white are also available alongside a well-stocked wine list. With autumn getaways in mind, Down Hall is offering numerous packages. The Countryside Retreat package includes a bottle of prosecco in your room, a two night stay in a luxurious ‘prestige double’ room and the chance to relax in the boutique spa with two hours of Wet Spa access, as well as a £50 food & beverage credit to redeem in the restaurant or bars. The package starts at £329 per couple for a minimum two night’s stay.
For foodies, the Dine All Around package, showcases the very best of their seasonal menus, from Executive Chef Chris Jones. Giving guests the opportunity to explore all the hotel’s drinking and dining spaces, the package includes a complimentary dining experience on each day of the stay. The package is priced from £515 for two and includes a three-night stay and includes a threecourse dinner at The Grill Room, a restorative and traditional afternoon tea after a walk in the gardens, and a relaxed evening meal from the Bar & Terrace menu.
Elsewhere and for those looking for a special experience, Down Hall is offering you the car fanatics the chance to get behind the wheels of an iconic British classic car for the day, in partnership with Melyvn Rutter Limited. Roll back the roof of the vintage sports car and enjoy the fresh country air and rolling hills of Hertfordshire, before parking up for a picnic of freshly baked homemade goodies, prepared and packaged up by Executive Chef Chris Jones’ team. The stay also includes a credit of £30 per person towards dinner, followed by a night in a luxurious Prestige double room in the historic main house. Wake up refreshed and load up at the breakfast buffet before collecting a picnic hamper and heading off for a unique day at the wheel. Priced at £495 for two, the limited-edition package includes classic car hire from 9:00am - 5:00pm along with suggested driving routes and a bespoke picnic hamper.
Eden Spa - Two hours access to the wet spa Monday to Thursday £20, Friday to Sunday £25. Towels, robes and slippers are provided to all guests of the Wet Spa. Please note, the use of Eden Spa is not complimentary. Spa use and treatments must be pre-booked before arrival.



