London is a beloved British destination for any traveller, and rightly so; it has some of the world’s best hotels, restaurants, art and culture. And right at its pinnacle is The Connaught, a Mayfair institution which combines the famously moneyed neighbourhood’s preference for elite, exclusive hotels with London’s knack for attracting the world’s brightest culinary talents – in this case the world-renowned Hélène Darroze. The result is the UK’s only combination of a Three-MICHELIN-Star restaurants inside a Three-Key hotel, which stands out for its quality even among Mayfair’s swanky central London streets.
The Connaught: A Benchmark of Luxury
The Connaught dates way back to 1815, and was formerly known as The Coburg. Fast-forward to today, and it is one of London’s most established and classically luxurious hotels with a rich, storied history. Formerly an old-school, extravagant country pile in the city, today the hotel has a more voguish, timeless elegance, refreshed with an extensive redesign by interior design mastermind Guy Oliver.The hotel is a benchmark of luxury; Oliver’s vision has modernised the grand hotel’s traditional private club feel, but in an ever-so-chic, barely-there style – it's a more avant-garde space these days, with earthy tones, muted colour palettes and standout authentic features for extra comfort. The Connaught 2.0 has the perfect balance of tradition and modern refinement.
It’s reassuring that despite the changes, the hotel’s first-rate services and amenities are still next level, and the ritzy bars and swish, meticulous service are still deeply impressive. With its super-glossy interiors, The Connaught Bar has been voted the “World’s Best Bar” multiple times. Combined with Darroze’s restaurant, it’s helped turn the hotel into an all-round destination in its own right for luxury travellers. Although you will still want to venture outside, as The Connaught’s first-class Mayfair base means that guests are within walking distance of all the top-tier shops and boutiques, legendary London sights and the West End.
The opulent, mod-heritage rooms, suites and residences at The Connaught include the sprawling Four Bedroom Residence, the bookish Library Suite and comfortable Deluxe Rooms. The Aman Spa is the first to be designed for another hotel outside Aman’s stable of properties; there’s a glassy swimming pool, gym, wellness experts, skin courses and a menu of holistic massages, body treatments and specialised therapies. When you’re done experiencing it all, take a peek at The Connaught Shop for a little memento.
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught: Three-MICHELIN-Star Excellence
Hélène Darroze is a legendary French chef and culinary wizard who is at the helm of the spectacular Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, her most esteemed restaurant. Darroze is an outstanding, masterful chef and her restaurant has continually retained Three MICHELIN Stars, which is proof of her utter passion, skill and dedication. Dining here is an unforgettable experience, with the extraordinary team cleverly crafting artful masterpieces from the freshest seasonal ingredients.Though her restaurant at The Connaught may be the superstar Londoners know best, Darroze has restaurants spanning London, Paris and Provence, with her considered culinary style harking back to her home in southwest France. Each creation is served with originality and emotion, bringing out the best in the produce and letting it take centre stage. She is a chef who firmly knows that the best dishes start with the best ingredients – and that is on full display at The Connaught.
Dining here is a far cry from the stuffy, crisp-napkin atmosphere some might expect. The room has a warm, welcoming vibe, with interior design that spotlights soft blush hues and wood panelling that is refreshingly light in style: think soft curved lines and ornate design details covering the whole pastel spectrum – it’s a place you’ll be happy to spend the next four hours in.
That’s roughly how long the tasting menu takes, comprising a procession of perfectly crafted dishes that are a genuine work of art and a labour of love. You might hesitate to disturb each perfectly plated course by eating it, but you’ll soon be glad you did. The premium produce is enhanced with technical mastery and judicious seasoning, incorporating the occasional international angle courtesy of Darroze’s globetrotting. Lobster or scallop with tandoori spices is one of her signatures, executed to perfection by the kitchen team led by Executive Chef Marco Zampese.
It’s extremely rare for a hotel to house a Three-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant, meaning this achievement pushes The Connaught to the forefront even in London’s crowded marketplace. The synergy between the hotel’s luxury and the restaurant’s culinary artistry makes for a holistic, immersive affair – it is the ultimate high-end experience. The Connaught and Hélène Darroze are a perfect duo for those seeking the pinnacle of luxury hospitality and fine dining both in London and far beyond.
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Hero Image: The entrance to The Connaught, the only Three-MICHELIN-Key hotel in London with a Three-Star restaurant. © The Connaught
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