Your London Wedding - Page number 102 - September/October 2021 (Issue 79)

A SENSE of history Hannah Faulder indulges in a splendidly English stay at Mayfair’s Brown’s Hotel T here are so many impressive name-drop opportunities when talking about the famous faces who have stayed and celebrated at Brown’s, a Rocco Forte Hotel in the heart of Mayfair. Opened in 1837, Brown’s was London’s first hotel, and the hidden gem has provided a retreat for many distinguished guests ever since, from the Roosevelts (who honeymooned here) to Agatha Christie. The hotel’s Kipling Suite is named after legendary author Rudyard Kipling, who found the hotel to be the perfect place in which to write. You can understand why the enormous desk could inspire a masterpiece – in fact, Stephen King started writing Misery in this very spot. Alexander Graham Bell even made London’s first telephone call from the hotel. Oh, if walls could talk… When I arrived with my sister, Laura, our car was whisked away to be valeted by a top-hatted attendant, and we checked in over a glass of champagne in the elegant front hall, which has a beautiful feature fireplace and hand-painted wisteria dripping from the ceiling. The hotel certainly has gravitas, but the most wonderful surprise is that it feels warm and welcoming, a real romantic retreat in the heart of the city, and full of quintessentially British sophistication and eccentricity. STAY The quiet and calm atmosphere of the hotel means it’s hard to believe that it’s home to 33 suites and 82 bedrooms. When Laura and I headed up to our Deluxe Suite, we gasped as we stepped inside. The space was huge; we spent our time there shouting “I can’t hear you” from each end of the suite. The lavish interiors were designed by Olga Polizzi (the British hotelier and sister to Brown’s owner Sir Rocco Forte) and expertly blend antiques and original features with opulent furnishings and modern artworks. Heading from the living area into the bedroom, you’re met with an enormous cushiony bed and huge windows overlooking prestigious Mayfair streets. Turn the corner, and you’ll find the pièces de résistance: a dark wood-panelled walk-in wardrobe and Romanesque bathroom featuring his and hers sinks, a spacious double-ended shower and a Jacuzzi bath with built-in TV. Originally, we had grand plans to walk to Soho for drinks, but first we just had to put on our fluffy white robes and slippers, crack open the complimentary Moët and luxuriate in the comfort of our suite. ENJOY Drag yourself away from your room, and you can enjoy the wonderful Spa at Brown’s, which promises a hidden sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Skilled therapists provide a range of pampering treatments and rituals, and look out for the couple’s treatments – the best way to unwind after a hectic wedding day. There’s something wonderful about dressing for dinner and dining in your hotel. The hotel’s restaurant, Charlie’s, headed up by Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt, plays to its strengths by celebrating its heritage with a delicious menu of the highest-quality ingredients paired with first-class service. Laura and I enjoyed breakfast here, starting our day with a sumptuous cooked meal while enjoying the quirky botanical wallpaper, which strikes a fabulous contrast against the classic wood-panelled walls. While you’re staying here, why not embrace that most British of experiences: an afternoon tea? Served in The Drawing Room, the traditional afternoon tea at Brown’s is one of the most famous in London. Finally, you must enjoy a nightcap in The Donovan Bar. Playing host to Mayfair’s elite, this stylish drinking den serves an incredible choice of 16 carefully curated cocktails. www.roccofortehotels.com/browns-hotel 020 7493 6020 | reservations.browns@roccofortehotels.com Images courtesy of Janos Grapow 102