"Why book?
For the buzzy yet intimate vibe, gorgeous interiors, and spot-on location.
Set the scene
Halfway up Sloane Street and opposite Cadogan Gardens, a welcoming doorman stands outside a pair of restored Georgian townhouses. Inside, a Japanese apothecary cabinet marks the entrance to the arsenic-hued, Art Deco-detailed Sir Frank’s bar which has quickly become the post-work, pre-Royal Court theatre spot for the chic Chelsea set. Many of those staying are fans of the Surrey Hills Beaverbrook original, deliriously happy that there’s now an equally stylish offshoot in the capital, too.
The backstory
The Beaverbrook mansion in Surrey was once home to the late press baron Lord Beaverbrook, but for more than a decade it has been a smart country crash pad owned by business partners Joel Cadbury and Ollie Vigors. Now, the pair has teamed up with the Cadogan Estate on Beaverbrook Town House, bringing on board the same creative director, advertising legend Frank Lowe (he cherry-picked the extraordinary London-themed collection of artworks displayed on the walls of the stairs) and interior designer Nicola Harding, who was behind the look of the estate’s Garden House.
The rooms
Each of the 14 suites is named after a London theater, and has framed programs and posters from past productions on the walls. Harding has echoed the familiar fabrics and printed textiles found in Surrey but dialed everything up a notch with a bolder, more playful palette that lends a grown-up urban edge. Fringed velvet sofas sit alongside antique desks, Ikat lampshades, and cushions made from vintage patterned fabrics by Penny Worrall; bathrooms are equally colorful, with glassy tiles in rich shades of lime and apple green, say, or bottle blue. Some of the larger suites have modern four-posters; those that are smaller feel cocooning and cozy.
Food and drink
Sophisticated Japanese restaurant The Fuji Grill is helmed by ex-Dinings SW3 chef Alex Del. Here, 19th-century woodblock prints by revered Edo artist Hokusai set the scene for what’s on the menu: the freshest sushi and sashimi, and signature Beaverbrook dishes such as Wagyu with juniper miso and popcorn shrimp. The best seats are at the counter for a sensational 20-course omakase supper that combines traditional techniques with modern European elements—think tuna dry-aged in house and hamachi sashimi with smoked aubergine. End the night sipping a sake-based Miss Saigon cocktail in one of the leather-lined booths in Sir Frank’s bar.
The neighborhood
Chelsea is a haven for designer shopping, from the fashion labels on Sloane Street (Bottega Veneta, Chanel, Balenciaga) to homeware and furniture stores in and around the King’s Road (Soho Home Studio, Sigmar, Design Centre Chelsea Harbour). Don’t miss village-feel Pavilion Road, once Victorian stable blocks and now a mews lined with independent cafes, restaurants, and boutiques including Heidi Klein, Papersmiths, and The Little White Company. For a culture hit, there’s the contemporary Saatchi Gallery in Duke of York Square and the nearby Royal Court theatre, known for championing exciting, up-and-coming playwrights.
The service
From those on reception to the barmen mixing the cocktails, staff are helpful and friendly, without being over-the-top attentive.
For families
There are interconnecting rooms on every floor and cots can be provided. In the restaurant, there is no dedicated children’s menu but meal requests can be made, and there are coloring books and activity packs to keep little ones amused.
Eco effort
The culinary team sources ingredients locally and uses vegetables grown in the Beaverbrook estate kitchen garden. In the rooms, the welcome chocolate is by Love Cocoa, a company that uses sustainably sourced cocoa; the coffee pods are recyclable. Bathrooms have organic Bamford shower products in refillable dispensers, as well as recyclable and biodegradable packaged amenities.
Accessibility
There is no wheelchair access to the rooms.
Anything left to mention
Ask at reception for the key to privately-owned peaceful Cadogan Gardens opposite the hotel, which has tennis courts and a playground. It’s ideal for a picnic lunch or afternoon spent reading in the sunshine.
What makes this hotel worthy of Hot List?
With a destination restaurant and beautifully designed bar, it already feels like a real local hang-out." - Emma Love
