With a storied past that traverses 140 years, Corinthia London – situated a stone’s throw from the meandering River Thames on Whitehall Place – resides within a magnificent Victorian edifice dating back to 1885. Originally inaugurated as the Hôtel Métropole, the luxurious establishment has long been a rendezvous for high society, renowned for hosting lavish balls and the famed Midnight Follies cabaret evenings, of which luminaries of aristocracy and royalty were often in attendance. Today, its walls discreetly hold many a tale – and secret.
Requisitioned by the British government in 1916, the hotel was transformed into administrative offices for the Ministry of Defence and later serving as MI9’s operational centre. It is believed that room 801 housed classified records pertaining to UFO sightings.
In 2008, a meticulous restoration returned the building to its former glory, re-establishing it as a paragon of luxurious hospitality. While preserving many original architectural features, the hotel’s visionary designers have seamlessly integrated decorative elements with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring contemporary expectations are exceeded.
Exuding elegance befitting a hotel of such stature, Corinthia London boasts 279 exquisitely appointed rooms. Several of these luxurious accommodations reside within historic turrets and provide spa facilities, wine cellars, personal drivers and dedicated butlers.
The weight of the hotel’s incredible attention to detail resonates profoundly at every juncture, particularly within its suites and penthouses. In these exquisite spaces, charming fireplaces, opulent marble-laden bathrooms, and expansive terraces showcasing breathtaking vistas of London’s renowned landmarks provide a sensory indulgence.
My abode is the splendid Garden Suite. Exemplifying the zenith of refined elegance, the suite presents a harmonious fusion of sumptuous botanical-hued textiles and carefully curated accents. Bookshelves and coffee tables are tastefully embellished with a chic selection of literature and decorative objets d’art. The suite, just as the designers likely intended, exudes an intimate and homely charm.
Restaurants and bars within Corinthia London present a remarkable highlight, with five distinguished options elegantly ensconced within its illustrious walls. At Crystal Moon Lounge, the heart of the hotel, one can indulge in a sumptuous afternoon tea, where a delightful array of sweet and savoury delicacies takes centre stage under the luminous glow of a Baccarat-crystal chandelier, accompanied by the serene melodies of a pianist performing on a Steinway.
Kerridge’s Bar and Grill serves as a magnet for the city’s gastronomes. Both stylish and inviting, fine-dining comfort food imagined by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge is the talk of the town. His masterful reinterpretations of Britain’s most cherished dishes include a quail egg and mushroom tart adorned with hollandaise sauce, as well as Cornish lemon sole accompanied by tartare sauce and fried Ortiz anchovies. Plant-based palates such as my own will revel in bespoke offerings such as the maple-glazed rotisserie celeriac with marmite-roasted kohlrabi, drizzled with hazelnut pesto and a green olive and artichoke sauce. Whatever you choose, include a side of the triple-cooked chips. Trust me, you will not regret it.
The Northall presents a seasonal menu that exquisitely showcases the culinary strengths of Europe. Under the expert guidance of award-winning executive chef André Garrett, diners can delight in the aged Lake District farm beef tartare, complemented by cured egg yolk and matchstick potatoes, as well as the Scottish lobster thermidor spaghetti, enriched with Cognac, tomatoes and aged Parmesan — both of which have garnered considerable acclaim.
The Garden, an enchanting open-air courtyard, undergoes a captivating metamorphosis with the changing seasons, altering its theme, culinary offerings and décor. In the winter months, it transforms into a magical sanctuary, perfectly suited for romantic dates. The thoughtfully crafted menu presents a mouth-watering selection of culinary delights designed to warm the heart and soul. Among its highlights is the velvety white onion soup, crowned with a baked focaccia crouton and truffled Taleggio. This hidden gem is, without doubt, an experience not to be missed.
A visit would remain incomplete without a post-dinner sojourn at late-night Champagne and cocktail bar, Velvet by Salvatore Calabrese. Here, one encounters an innovative menu, named The Quote Book, drawn from the profound words of historical icons. Take, for instance, the Viva la Vida — a refreshing citrus libation with a subtle saltiness, inspired by Frida Kahlo, who once remarked, “Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?” Expertly crafted from Siete Misterios, salted peanut, Szechuan agave, grapefruit soda and yuzu, this delightful drink strikes all the right chords.
Complementing its culinary repertoire, Corinthia London is home to a world of wellness thanks to ESPA Life, its award-winning four-floor spa. This sanctuary of serenity includes a dedicated thermal floor featuring a silver steel swimming pool, vitality pool, amphitheatre sauna, ice fountain, private sleep pods and marble heated loungers. You could easily spend an entire day here in the hands of expert therapists, nutritionists, acupuncturists and physiotherapists.
A true representative of British excellence, artfully melding traditional grandeur with contemporary appeal, Corinthia London caters to those that cherishes privacy, luxury and impeccable service. It’s no wonder Prince William and Meryl Streep are among the hotel’s roll call of illustrious guests.
Images courtesy of Corinthia London
