Indulge in stylish sweetness with the latest season of Prêt-à-Portea, sip on classic cocktails at two of the newly opened bars or cozy up in a candlelit wooden cabin in the heart of Belgravia.
Claridge’s
London’s legendary hotel, Claridge’s, recently opened The Painter’s Room, an intimate new bar on the ground floor of the hotel. Conceived by interior designer Bryan O’Sullivan, The Painter’s Room pays homage to the hotel’s Art Deco design heritage and was inspired by archived old photos from the 1930’s. Centered around the blush pink onyx bar, the bar showcases British artists’ Annie Morris’s whimsical, monochrome mural across the entire space. The drinks menu for has also been roused to illustrate the culture, art and design of Europe with the menu divided into four chapters where ingredients are at the core of the creative process; Light, Interpretation, Complex, and Clean.
Claridge’s also recently unveiled ArtSpace, a new permanent gallery. ArtSpace launches with a never-before-seen exhibition of work by Damian Hirst, entitled ‘Sunshine’. Designed by John Pawson as a multifunctional space, Claridge’s ArtSpace invites long-standing friends and gallerists within the art world to stage rotating two-month exhibitions and shows. With free access to all, the ArtSpace is intended to become an informal daily drop in for the local art community and Londoners alike, where they can see an inspiring new exhibition, find an original print, or simply enjoy breakfast, lunch or coffee and cake at the upcoming café.
The Connaught
The Connaught introduced their newest bar in over a decade, The Red Room. Aptly describing what lies within, the bar includes a carefully chosen collection of red artworks created by four female visionaries - Louise Bourgeois, Jenny Holzer, Ti-a Thuy Nguyen and Trina McKillen. Complimenting the magnificent and contemporary art, designer Bryan O’Sullivan puts his signature stamp on Maybourne’s newest drinking spot. With wine as the heart of The Red Room, meticulously curated red wine list boasts a significant collection of the world’s best, created as a nod to the bars striking name and artwork.
The Berkeley
Creating Belgravia’s most in demand outdoor dining experience, The Berkeley Winter Cabins were revealed as the newest addition to the hotel. Setting the mood for the festive season, five cozy outdoor cabins are decked with wreaths, fir trees, fairy lights, and an abundant source of lanterns and flickering candles. The Berkeley Winter Cabins also offer an alpine style menu with specialties built around fondue, an indulgent raclette grill, ‘cook your own’ meat, cheese and vegetable dishes, classic veal schnitzel and spätzle, and so much more. To finish the Mountain-inspired comfort food, guests can indulge in decadent desserts from apple tatin and flaméed baked Alaska, to table side hot chocolate.
Closing the show is The Berkeley’s iconic Prêt-à-Portea with the unveiling its Autumn / Winter 2021 collection. Providing fashionistas with a sweet tooth a playful twist on the afternoon tea experience, this season comes complete with a stylish collection of couture cakes inspired by legendary and newcomer designers, with also a wink to a fashion legend. Striking ensembles range from velvety mandarin cheesecake with a orange confit on chocolate sablé, topped with a chocolate hat highlighting Balenciaga Couture to a hazelnut dacquoise with salted caramel, encase with Valrhona chocolate mousse and finished with a passion fruit créme diplomate and chocolate chard to showcase newbie Dutch brand Ganni. Also, 100th celebrations starred two of the fashion industries icons. Homage was paid to Iris Apfel’s 100th birthday with a spiced biscuit intricately detailed with her trademark red lipstick and oversized glasses. Gucci also marked their 100th anniversary with their signature equestrian style, which was honored with a showstopping red velvet and mascarpone cake.
Image credit: Justin DeSouza
