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by Manos Angelakis
Claridge’s
Brook Street, Mayfair
London W1K4HR
Tel:+44(0)20 7629 8860
Fax: +44(0)20 7499 2210
Toll free reservations: UK & Europe 00 800 7671 7671
USA 1-800-637-2869
www.claridges.co.uk
Following the demise of the Savoy Group, one of the world’s most recognized hospitality brands, three of the member-hotels formed a new company, the Maybourne Hotel Group, to continue offering their legendary ambience and service to the discerning traveler that demands the ultimate in luxury, furnishings, and style while in London.
Claridge’s is one of the three. Stay here and you are staying at a legendary hotel. Founded in 1812 and completely rebuilt by Richard D’Oyly Carte in 1894, Claridge’s became D’Oyly Carte’s second London hotel. Claridge’s became a favorite society venue, and parts were redecorated by Basil Ionides in the mid-1920s to reflect the popular art deco fashion of the time. Many royal families who found themselves exiled from their own countries as WWII raged across Europe, made their way to the haven that was Claridge’s. Notable among them was King Peter of Yugoslavia, exiled from his country in 1941 and his son, Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia was born in Suite 212 in July 1945. Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill declared the suite Yugoslav  territory, and legend has it that a spadeful of Yugoslav earth was placed under the bed so that the heir to the throne could literally be born on Yugoslav soil.
Situated in the heart of London’s Mayfair, Claridge’s attracts the best of British and foreign aristocracy and senior corporate executives. Claridge’s has recently undergone a 45 million dollar renovation to preserve its charm and comfort and add state-of-the-art amenities. It now has 203 rooms including 67 suites, and 2 penthouses with terraces and impressive views of London’s skyline. The rooms are never less than luxurious, with Victorian- or Art Deco- designed and furnished bedrooms and large marble bathrooms with the ubiquitous enormous rainmaker showerheads. A remarkable feature of this hotel is that heating of the rooms in the winter is by a central hot water system embedded in the room walls, not by heating elements. The maid or butler will unpack for you, if you so desire. Handmade chocolate truffles await you in your room every  evening. And, most important, a database of your requirements, likes, dislikes and sizes is set up on your first visit, so that information is available for subsequent stays.
Claridge's is famous for its afternoon-tea served by a friendly, liveried staff at the Reading Room Restaurant, with a choice of over 30 different teas from all over the world accompanied by a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, French pastries and freshly baked raisin and apple scones served with Claridge's own tea-infused jam and thick Devonshire clotted cream*. The introduction of afternoon tea, a quintessentially English tradition, is credited to Anna, Seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the early 19th century. The Duchess grew hungry between early lunch and late dinner, so she had afternoon-tea served in her boudoir in the mid-afternoon.
The main dinning room is now Gordon Ramsey at Claridge’s, one of the entrepreneur/chef’s illustrious enterprises. Mark Sargeant, sous chef at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea from 1998 to 2001, is the Head Chef here since 2001 and offers some of the most  sumptuous dining in London. Proof of his ability is a Michelin star for Gordon Ramsey at Claridge’s in 2002. Some of the most outstanding main courses are: Sautéed pavé of wild Scottish salmon with cider glazed pork belly, baby spinach, celeriac and cockle velouté; Braised Gloucester pork cheeks in honey and cloves, roasted duck foie gras, wild garlic and baby turnips; and Port roasted Anjou pigeon with spring vegetables, lettuce farci, and light truffle bouillon. Leave some space for one of the delectable desserts: Valrhona chocolate fondant, salted almon caramel and milk ice cream; Lime roasted pineapple, pain d' Epices and mascarpone mousse; or Caramelized banana and bitter chocolate parfait with hazelnut mousse. An extraordinary 34-page wine list covers some of the best vineyards, mostly European and a few exceptional American, South African, New Zealand and Australian vintages.
The Macanudo Fumoir is a plush, candlelit bar where one can enjoy a large selection of cigars, top-shelf cognacs and single malts.
Claridge’s Bar: It is the meeting place for London’s movers and shakers. It features a Champagne list, notable for the vast number of premium producers, the cocktails  are impeccable, and the bar menu is scrumptious.
With views across London, the Health & Beauty Suite has everything for pampering the body, to restore vitality and a sense of well-being. The Suite has a fully equipped gymnasium with Technogym Fitness Stations and various free weights and resistance machines, therapy rooms offering massage, facial and specialized body treatments, and a well-stocked juice bar.
* Editor’s Note: The mid-afternoon repast is known as “afternoon tea” NOT high tea, which in England is a meal had by the lower classes that could not afford to serve supper, as well as the rest of the daily meals.
© June 2007 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.
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