REVIEWS
7
11 CADOGAN GARDENS London
LOCATION: 11 Cadogan Gardens – a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World – is hidden away just off Sloane Street in Chelsea, west London. A short walk from Sloane Square Tube station, the
rest of London is right at your fingertips. FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The quirky character of the red-brick hotel hits you as soon as you pull up outside. It was originally built as four separate Victorian townhouses by Lord Chelsea himself, as part of the Cadogan Estate. The building’s history is apparent when you step inside, and instead of being confronted immediately with a reception desk, you wind your way to it. To get to rooms on the upper floors, you take a slightly alarming – but charming – Victorian-type elevator (think rattly slide-across door). It really does feel
like another world. A GOOD BASE FOR: Those who want to head out on foot are within easy reach of Harrods, the King’s Road and the Sloane Square area, which is filled with restaurants and coffee shops. Monarchy
lovers will be pleased to know that Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace are a (slightly longer) walk away. This hideaway is in a prime location for those wishing to explore some of London’s most famous museums, with the Natural History Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum down the road in South
Kensington. THE FACTS: The property relaunched in May, following a year of renovations. The resulting 56 rooms and suites are finished stylishly. I loved the colourful library, which has an antler chandelier. While such furnishings conjure up images
of cosy winter nights, there is a secret terrace. The menu at the intimate Tartufo restaurant is to-die-for at any time of year. I practically overdosed on indulgence during the six-course truffle tasting menu, accompanied by matching wines. The tortellini with fresh walnut and mascarpone was a particular highlight. I was too busy enjoying a breakfast of fresh smoked salmon and boiled eggs to notice, but there is a gym on the lower-
ground floor, with a relaxation area. WOW: Inspired by the hotel’s proximity to the Chelsea Flower Show, Michelin- starred chef Alex Gauthier has introduced an afternoon tea inspired by flora. The Flower Tea changes with the seasons and is intended to be a lighter option to traditional teas. The patisseries, called ‘flower delicacies’, include light honey mousse, chamomile jelly and Indonesian lemon pepper. They’re a visual delight
and my personal wow! HOW MUCH: Rooms starts at £270 per night, based on double occupancy in a Superior Queen.
11CADOGANGARDENS.COM
aspire december 2016 — 83
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