Claridge's

London, cultural patchwork

London is an enormous, dynamic, teeming multi-cultural metropolis. Its seven million inhabitants include 50 nationalities speaking more than 300 different languages. Founded more than 2,000 years ago on the banks of the Thames, the city has never ceased to expand. In the 19^th century, it was the world’s most populated city.

This immense and spread out city consists of a multitude of villages each with its own identity. The historical and financial quarter is known as The City. Kensington and Chelsea are chic and residential. Spitalfields, Whitechapel, Stepney, Mile End and Bethnal Green are more working class and multi-ethnic. Finally, there are the more central quarters like Soho, Covent Garden, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square with their West End theatres, cinemas, concert halls and ready to wear clothing shops. In the City of Westminster, also In the West End, we find the Mayfair quarter which owes its name to a cattle fair which took place in the month of May. When the fair was abandoned in the 18^th century, the quarter changed considerably and gradually became populated by the upper class who built large Victorian mansions. Today, the neighborhood is home to important foreign embassies, luxurious boutiques and palace type hotels all of which have made it one of the most expensive properties on the Monopoly board!

The Mayfair Icon

Unanimously hailed as one of London’s most luxurious hotels, the Claridge’s is the jewel of Mayfair. Founded in 1812, it combines the luxury of a five star hotel with more than a century of tradition and glamour. A favorite with the crowned heads of Europe, the Claridge’s has received the families of the Archduke Alexander of Russia, King William III of the Netherlands and Pierre II of Yugoslavia. The hotel, a victim of its own success, had to change premises on two occasions. The first move was just a few numbers down the street, and the second took place when it was purchased by the Claridge’s, which gave it its present name and its imposing and elegant seven story red brick building.

The hotel is an intelligent blend of Art Déco and Victorian styles recently redecorated by some of the greatest names in the field. Venere Greenery redid the two Penthouses in lilac tones and light oak parquet floors, while retaining the original 1930s dimensions. The American fashion designer, Diane Von Furstenberg added her iconic vivid colors and prints to 20 of the 230 rooms and the renowned Linley Agency continued the British tradition with its distinctive design while maintaining the Claridge’s heritage. None of the rooms resembles any other although they all have an entrance hall, an exceptional bathroom, and a choice of 12 different pillows on the king sized beds.

The food is no less excellent than all the rest. The Gordon Ramsey restaurant is one of the most prestigious in the capital largely thanks to its renowned Chef, Steve Allen. Dinner is served in a pure Art Déco atmosphere. The same ambience is present in the Reading Room, created by Thierry Despoint where refined European cuisine is served. The Foyer, which proposes 30 varieties of tea and a number of delicious pastries, is one of the best addresses for afternoon tea in London. Running into just about anyone in London is the specialty of the Claridge’s Bar, the work of David Collins. And if you’re looking for a more intimate place, try The Fumoir, the Mayfair’s historic bar with a huge selection of cigars, cognacs and armagnacs. People come here for a last drink at a candle lit table, the only lighting present in this ultra-discreet site.

As the residence for European royalty in London, it was considered to be an extension of Buckhingham Palace. In the past, when someone walked up to the reception desk at the Claridge’s and asked to speak to the king, the clerk, according to legend, would ask, “Which one?”. Winston Churchill stayed here for an entire year in the hotel’s first Penthouse suite. It was also the favorite hotel of actors including Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant and fashion designers like Tom Ford and Diane Von Furstenberg.