Tucked away in a secluded courtyard, off St James, and in the heart of Mayfair is the historical DUKES London hotel. The epitome of British luxury and opulence, a hotel that takes you back in time to an era of exceptional service and historic grandeur.
Ever since King Henry VIII built his palace here in the 16th Century, St. James’s has been the exclusive retreat of writers, musicians, politicians and royalty, a calm oasis in the hustle and bustle of the Capital, no wonder DUKES, is a quintessentialBritish hidden gem.
The entrance to DUKES is as iconic as it is British, with the Union Jack flag taking pride of place as you walk up the steps and into the elegant lobby, the attention to detail is evident everywhere you look, from the gilded wallpaper to the ornate gold mirrors and sumptuous velvet seats and then of course the impeccable service, all merge together to make you feel you’re a long-lost friend come to stay the night.
DUKES has 90 rooms and suites, each one an eclectic mix of traditional and modern. We were staying in the Duchess of Cleveland’s Suite, a serene expansive space with a bedroom, separate lounge and luxury bathroom. The relaxing atmosphere was further enhanced with soft music and ambient lighting. A mix of neutrals in the lounge provides the perfect backdrop to dark wood furniture, opulent green sofas, heavy damask curtains and thoughtful accents. The bedroom palette of earthy neutrals, soft lighting and crisp white bedding is the perfect backdrop for lying down and just doing nothing. The luxury bathroom isjust as impressive, with marble tiles, Noble Isle toiletries, fluffy bathrobes and a bath that’s calling out for you to just jump in and relax.
Guests staying in a one-bedroom suite have their experience enhanced even further with complementary homemade treats, a bottle of Pommery Brut Champagne, a fresh fruit platter and a courtesy minibaras standard. Even more reason to stay in your suite, sip champagne and do nothing. That however was not to be, as the lure of the famous DUKES Bar was calling.
Frequently visited by James Bond author Ian Fleming, DUKES Bar is said to be the inspiration for James Bond’s favourite tipple, a fact reflected in the famous martini trolley, where every DUKES Martini or personalised cocktail is made in front of you by one of the white-jacketed world-class bar tenders, it really is an unforgettable experience that definitely leaves you ‘shaken, not stirred!’
Eating is another delight, guests can dine at the superb GBR (Great British Restaurant), offeringmenus that feature traditional British dishes with a creative and contemporary spin. The restaurant oozes stylish sophistication with parquet flooring and sumptuous seating along with gilt mirrors adorning the walls, it is another nod to the hotel’s opulent British luxury.
After perusing the menu I decided to begin with Smokey aubergine, served with feta, walnuts and super seed crackers and hubbie chose monkfish scampi in curious beer batter, the textures and tastes from both these dishes was an absolute delight, an impressive combination of flavours that tempted the tasteuds effortlessly.
We followed this with cured and roasted Lancashire belly of pork served with split green peas, crispy egg and salted caraway seed crackling, a dish full of sumptuous flavours that elevated the palette perfectly. Neck of Cumbrian spring lamb, with roasted Scottish langoustine, broad beans and lamb sauce was the other choice, cooked flawlessly, the flavours combined together were divine.
Hubbie was tempted by dessert and indulged in GBR’s Bramley apple crumble, a soft centred vanilla parfait served with crumble, stewed Bramley apples and red apple sorbet, creamy, light and refreshing a definite voyage of deliciousness.
After a nightcap in the drawing room, it was time to retire to our suite for a long luxurious soak in the bath, before falling into the crisp, fresh sheets for a blissful night’s sleep.
Next morning breakfast was a mix of buffet and ala carte dishes that included such things as crushed avocado, full English breakfast, eggs Benedict, fresh fruit and pastries, nothing is too much trouble, the service and attention to detail is still as exceptional in the restaurant as it is throughout the hotel, it’s no wonder DUKES has the reputation of exquisite hospitality.
DUKES is a parody of Englishness, a luxurious haven, oozing opulence at every turn. A treasure trove of experiences and history, the perfect sophisticated sanctuary to escape from everyday life if only for a night or two.
BOOK IT
Prices start from £550 per night in a Superior room.
For more information or to book, visit www.dukeshotel.com
