HOTEL & DINING REVIEW: BEAVERBROOK TOWN HOUSE, SLOANE STREET, CHELSEA
October 2023
Aptly described on the website as ‘Chelsea's most charming boutique hotel’, Beaverbrook Town House recently became my new favourite hotel in Chelsea. Those of you who have already discovered the joys of Beaverbrook Surrey may be aware of this picturesque, quintessentially British town house boasting Japanese allure and flamboyance of Lord Beaverbrook himself. The property is on Sloane Street, opposite the charming Cadogan Place Park (which guests have access to), set across two beautifully restored Georgian townhouses.
The hotel boasts 14 individually-styled suites, all named after iconic London theatres; The Fuji Grill and Sir Frank’s Bar. Nicola Harding is responsible for interiors so beguiling that you might gasp when when you walk in. The hotel is maximalist without being distasteful, and at a time where maximalism is becoming rather tiresome to me, I am captivated once more.
It’s a sunny day in Chelsea and I arrive at Beaverbrook Town House around 1pm, stopping to admiring the chintzy terrace on my way in - it’s a perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks, and dogs are welcome too. My room is ready when I arrive, so I enjoy an early check-in with friendly, welcoming staff. It is clear from the outset that nothing is too much trouble for the team, so whether you’re after theatre tickets, a dining reservation, local recommendations or other special requests, you’re certainly in safe hands.
I am expecting my suite to be something special, but the Royal Opera House Suite exceeds all expectations. Featuring a distinctive grand classical portico and iconic images of Margot Fonteyn and Covent Garden theatre shows, this suite pays homage to the most accomplished ballet and opera productions in the world. I spy Cadogan Place Park from the window, a very British, complimentary minibar and Bamford toiletries in the ensuite. This is a truly thoughtfully-curated suite and I could spend all day in here with a good book.
Downstairs, Sir Frank’s Bar is the hotel’s cosy and elegant bar, named after Beaverbrook’s creative director Sir Frank Lowe. This is the man behind Beaverbrook’s artwork collections, rare collectables, and historic treasures. The walls are gloriously glossy, adorned with 19th-century Japanese wood-block prints. Low lighting, alluring jewel tones and an eclectic atmosphere invite you to stop what you are doing and order a drink, immediately.
It is the tail end of summer, and I meet Melissa (my co-Founder at Mayfair Art Circle) at the bar. We’re hosting an evening event at Cricket Fine Art later that day, so it’s time for a catch up and a final glance at the guest list. I order a Sloane Street Highball - Elderflower Cordial, Lychee , Honey, Red Chilli, Cucumber, Lime, and Carbonated Water; and Melissa opts for a Hyacinth Bouquet - Low ABV (0.2%) 12 Melonade, Crossip Pure Hibiscus, Lemon and Yuzu Tonic. Both are wonderful, and particularly welcomed during the unexpected heatwave.
The Fuji Grill, Image Credit: Beaverbrook Town House
We move over to a booth in The Fuji Grill as lunch strikes, and order Padron Peppers with Jalapeño Dressing (£10) and Tempura Cauliflower with Pickled Jalapeño Miso & Sesame Butter (£12) to start. Dishes arrive promptly, and the combination of flavours is delicious. There is a buzzy atmosphere in the room, with locals and guests enjoying sashimi and cocktails.
For the mains, we order Alaskan Black Cod with Den Miso & Yuzu Miso (£42) and Cornish Seabass with Pickled Wasabi & Ponzu (£32) from the Bincho charcoal robata grill, and Hispi Cabbage with Sake Kombu & Winter Truffles (£12). The dishes are perfectly cooked and plated, and we agree we must return again soon with some local friends.
We are wowed by dessert - Egg & Soldiers (£15), an impressively realistic looking egg with a lime mousse and mango yolk interior, served on a lime and passionfruit crumble with caramelised brioche; and Pecan Snickers (£8), a pecan praline dessert served with vanilla caramel and milk chocolate. These wonderfully creative dishes really are something special.
Nigiri at The Fuji Grill. The Omakase Experience is available every evening from 6pm, a spectacular 9 course Japanese dining experience. Take your seat at the The Sushi Bar and allow the Sushi Chef to take you on an exciting culinary journey with Japanese specialties and authentic techniques.
Located just moments from Sloane Square, you could not find a more perfect spot for a Sloane Martini, a bento box in the sun, or an entire weekend in the Royal Borough. Beaverbrook Town House is beautifully presented and unpretentious, and staff are attentive without being invasive. You can expect a brilliant night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast. On that note, for autumn, I recommend ‘Burford Brown’ Scrambled Eggs & Brioche Toast with Loch Duarte Smoked Salmon and Autumn Black Truffles (£20).
All in all, I am really looking forward to a return visit, this time with theatre tickets!
Beaverbrook Town House, 115 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9PJ
T. +44 (0)203 988 6611 | E. reservations@beaverbrooktownhouse.co.uk
