Opened in 1837, Brown’s Hotel may be the oldest hotel in London, but there is certainly nothing dated about it. Located in the prestigious Mayfair, Brown’s Hotel is undoubtedly the epitome of luxury, an iconic establishment that has been the retreat of choice for royalty, presidents and literary greats over the centuries, and perfect for those seeking a quintessentially British experience. There is an air of luxury from the moment you step through the front doors, past the rich wood panelling in the hallway and into the reception area, an abundance of natural daylight flooding through the signature belvedere glass roof. The walls are plastered with intricate hand painted wallpaper featuring whimsical wisteria, created exclusively for Brown’s by renowned British Interior Designer and Artist, Adam Ellis.
The Room
We stayed in the grand and stylish Deluxe Suite with views overlooking Dover Street, the calming neutral theme enlivened by contrasting burgundy and scarlet tones. Unique and distinctly British artefacts were dotted around the suite which gave the space some character. The suite featured a spacious sitting room with plush sofas, a large writing desk, dining area as well as coffee making facilities and private in room bar. On a table was a welcome card and a chilled bottle of Ruinart Champagne accompanied by a selection of artisanal chocolates.
The bedroom was equally as welcoming, furnished with a lounging sofa and a supremely comfortable king-sized bed. To top it all off, our pillowcases were embroidered with our initials which was a lovely personal touch. Connected to the bedroom was a walk-in wardrobe, separate toilet, and large bathroom which featured a bath with a built-in television, a double shower, double washbasins and indulgent Irene Forte Skincare toiletries, complete with Rocco Forte Hotels bathrobes and slippers.
Brown’s Best Furry Friends
We’ve reviewed quite a few dog-friendly hotels over the past year, and Brown’s Best Furry Friends package certainly sets the bar. Upon entering our suite, I was delighted to see that they had specially prepared a dedicated corner for Charlotte, complete with a cosy dogbed, dog bowls, and an exclusive warm welcome gift in partnership with a William Morris At Home – a six-piece luxe Dog Walkers Kit to add a touch of elegance to our strolls. The cherry on top was a personalised mat with her name embroidered on it. Charlotte was also treated to dog biscuits featuring Chef Director Adam Byatt’s ‘secret’ recipe. For dinner, we pre-ordered her meal from their ‘à La Bark’ doggy food menu to be enjoyed in the comfort of our suite – Charlotte very much enjoyed her salmon with broccoli. Dogs are also welcome to enjoy their meals in The Drawing Room – we didn’t manage to visit this time round, but we will hopefully pop in again for a coffee and puppuccino when we’re next in the area. For those keen to explore the charming neighbourhood, the hotel also has an exclusive Doggy Guide to Mayfair which opens doors to local pet-friendly attractions.
The Food
As dinner time approached, we made our way downstairs to their restaurant, Charlie’s, which is also dog-friendly, so Charlotte was able to accompany us for the rest of the evening. We were served some warm bread with butter whilst we waited for our starters to arrive. For starters, we were recommended the blue fin tuna crudo with avocado, pickled ginger, and XO sauce dressing, and the Dorset crab salad with spring remoulade – both really light yet flavourful dishes. For mains, we shared their signature Dover sole which was swiftly filleted and de-boned at the table before being served, as well as the succulent Rhug Estate lamb chops with courgette and basil puree and caponata stuffed tomato. We finished on a sweet note with their decadent Choux à la Crème with almond praline, and bitter chocolate sorbet, and a selection of seasonal ice creams and sorbets served with olive oil madeleines.
Wanting to make the most of our homely living area, we opted to order breakfast to our suite from their in-room dining menu the following morning. Spoilt for choice, we ordered a selection to share including the Arnold Bennett omelette topped with white crab meat mousseline, and the Belgian style waffles with vanilla mascarpone and warm blueberries, alongside a selection of fresh fruit, pastries, coffee and juices – the perfect way to start the day.
A word of thanks to Brown’s Hotel for hosting us over the weekend.
View rooms at Brown’s Hotel here.
- My experience at Brown’s Hotel was complimentary – views and photos are my own.
