In one of the most fascinating areas of London and tucked away in a central, quiet part of St. James lies the Stafford London a hotel that once discovered you will call a home away from home, a beautiful Victorian building with the perfect blend of classic English elegance and modern style. Charming and chic the hotel display a stimulating exhibit of artwork throughout and is divided in several sections, the Main House, The modern Mews Suite with its Penthouse, the historic Carriage House and the Gatehouse with three floors of outstanding luxury and recently refurbished in a multi- million pound make over by interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud one of the world’s leading women in the field of residential and hospitality interior design who brings a dynamic approach and a touch of intellectual curiosity making it feel stylish,warm and comfortable at the same time.The impeccably-styled suites capture the mood of this rich heritage of one of London’s most elegant and regal neighbourhoods.
It’s no wonder then that with this mix of the classic and the modern, a very discreet location only a few steps away from the most exciting attractions in London, it is a favourite place to stay for A-list celebrities and Diplomats. After one or two delicious cocktails sipped on a luscious leather sofa in the legendary and eclectically designed the American Bar, which has retained its name after the War and is very popular with American tourists and other guests who can appreciate the history and the relaxed ambience of this totally unique place, we head off to the new Game Bird restaurant recently re-designed with a glamorous Hollywood feel, exquisite lighting, delicate colours and walls adorned with contemporary art It’s very easy to forget the outside world when you are surrounded by such beauty, have the finest service that a restaurant can offer with an incomparable informal mood and where you can have the best Chicken Kiev in the country. Our dishes have been created by Executive Chef, James Durrant who is dedicated in following the seasons and supports local artisans including award-winning family owned farms and as we sample a selection of British classics we end on what I think is my favourite desserts of all times, a Pistachio souffle white chocolate ice cream which adds a finishing touch to a memorable night.
As this was not enough we take a walk on the wild side and we make our descent into the basement of the hotel with vaulted chambers which were used as bomb shelters during WWII, here you can also visit the small museum full of memorabilia of that time and you can indulge in a Private dining experience in the truly spectacular 380 years old wine cellar which was built in the 17th Century by Lord Francis Godolphin it contains over 8,000 bottles of the World’s finest wines with Master Sommelier Gino Nardella guiding you through and pairing the best choices for your candlelit dinner providing a tantalising insight into one of the most complete wine collections in London.
Be Prepared to be looked after so well that you won’t want to leave this remarkable hotel or our new home, as we would like to remember it and in the words of Lou Reed “It’s such a perfect day I am glad I spent it with you” Well this was more than perfect and we are so glad that we spent it with you, Stafford London.