Beaverbrook Town House review: homely luxury with theatrical flourishes

The life of a

The life of a London socialite is something many
covet, while few have the opportunity to experience it. That,
however, is not the case for guests at a new Chelsea residence.

Beaverbrook Town House is setting the scene for
today’s history-makers and social shakers. Punters who have
experienced the sibling Surrey estate^[1] will have a sense of
what they’re in for. The life and character of its most famous
resident, Lord Beaverbrook, is evidenced in the attention to
detail, lavish decoration, and characterful hints to his wartime
contribution. The eponymous Town House is taking this legacy and
running with it, by reimagining the life that the newspaper tycoon
once led in the capital. 

Scene change

Thousands flock to the West End each year to
experience the glitz and glamour of the city’s very best
spectacles, but just a few tube stops on from the Strand, this
institution – which opened just three months
ago – is offering guests the opportunity to take centre
stage.

Indeed, making oneself at home doesn’t take long at
the Town House. Approaching the two neighbouring residences that
have been transformed into Sloane Street’s newest addition, you’ll
be greeted by a well-attired doorman before entering “The Library”
to check in. 

Guests can choose from one of the 14 stunningly
refurbished rooms, each a jubilant ode to a London playhouse. Opt
for The Royal Court or Shakespeare’s Globe, if the Classic rooms
take your fancy, or treat yourself to The Adelphi, Old Vic or
Savoy, if a suite is more your style. Plush king size beds are
standard, as are minibars stocked with only the finest
British-sourced treats, ample wardrobe space and seating areas that
will certainly impress. Stylish ensuites feature both baths and
walk-in showers, as well as underfloor heating for the ultimate
serenity. 

It’s the luxurious essentials in particular that add
the star quality to a night at the Town House, from the natural
Bamford toiletries in the bathrooms to Beaverbrook’s pre-mixed
elixirs, ready to be poured at your personal drinks trolley. And if
there isn’t time for a trip to the West End itself (or you don’t
fancy being dragged away from the splendour of your room),
flatscreen TVs are also at guests’ fingertips, artfully concealed
in bed end storage. 

Nicola Harding is responsible for the bold interior
design that strikes a wonderful balance between traditional
grandeur and theatrical flourishes. Roberts radios and rotary
telephones are just some of the props to hand, while art deco in
abundance coalesces into an atmospheric backdrop. One might even
think of Gatsby, if it weren’t for the playbills in each of the
rooms and the artistic tributes to the capital that cover the
stairway and corridors, very much setting the London scene. The
latter are curated by Sir Frank Lowe, Beaverbrook Town House^[2]’s creative
director. 

Fed and watered

Guests needn’t venture far from their not-so-humble
abodes to indulge in first-class refreshments. Sir Frank’s Bar is a
relaxed but sumptuous setting for mouth-watering libations. The
signature cocktails, many named after much-loved productions, truly
hit the mark (my tip is the Top Hat). The whisky offering is more
than generous, while the more scantily-dressed wine list sparkles
with the hotel cellar’s stars. Guests can enjoy bar snacks like
popcorn shrimp, tuna nori tacos and gruyere croquettes in the bar,
or make their way to The Fuji Grill for a feast. 

Here, diners have two options; á la carte, or the
Omakase Experience. The first offers delectable sashimi,
nigiri, salads and sushi. The chef’s selection of either
Beaverbrook or classic nigiri provide flavourful bites of the
kitchen’s biggest hitters, such as red bream garnished with shio
koji seasoning and Kentish ants that add a citrus zing, and otoro
with truffle yuzu miso and a generous flake of fresh truffle. For
those who prefer the meatier side of the menu, the A5 Wagyu beef
steals the show. Described by some as the best meat in the world,
Beaverbrook’s head chef Alex Del serves his smoked at the very last
minute, arriving to the table in an aromatic vapour. 

The welcoming staff are always on hand to share
recommendations or make suggestions, from saké pairings to the
dishes themselves. If you have space left then the dessert menu is
quite special, though it’d be somewhat remiss to go for anything
other than the chocolate cigar, served with an edible ash, caramel
and a nougat-like filling, and served in an impressively large
ashtray.

The Omakase Experience, on the other hand, is a
20-course event. Omakase^[3] translates to “I leave
it up to you”, and as the name implies, there is no set menu, just
the chef’s recommendations for what promises to be a flavourful and
elegant journey through Japanese cuisine. 

On the town

The Town House’s location speaks for itself. Minutes
from both Sloane Square and Knightsbridge, one can browse some of
the best shopping districts in the capital, nip to the Saatchi
Gallery or head to Hyde Park if a longer amble is required to shake
off the indulgence of the night before. A wander down to the
Chelsea^[4] embankment is always a
treat too. 

A stop by Pavilion Road is also a must. The
pedestrianised street is at the heart of Chelsea village, and the
who’s who of the neighbourhood are likely to be spotted sipping on
a flat white from The Roasting Party, grabbing a pastry at Bread
Ahead Bakery, or tucking into generous plates of hearty fare at
Granger & Co. 

Should you feel the urge to venture further afield,
Sloane Square tube station couldn’t be closer and is served by both
the Circle and District lines, or hop on the Piccadilly from
Knightsbridge. Of course, you might prefer to travel, as I’m sure
Lord Beaverbook himself would’ve, in a private car. I’d recommend
this option – it’ll help you stay in character for longer…

Beaverbrook Town House, 115 Sloane Street, London,
SW1X 9PJ. Rooms start from £400; beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk^[5]