Claridge's, Mayfair
In 1929, thirty years after Claridge's opened its doors, the Art Deco avant-garde, Oswald Milne, transformed the more traditional and staid lobby into the art deco jewel of Mayfair, not to say, London. In the last 78 years the weighty bronze and gilt metal revolving foyer doors, fingerprinted for decades by the rich and famous, (unless they use the discreet mews entrance), have lifted many a spirit in one full swing. Entering Claridge's is and always has been special, and now, even more so.
It may seem a little unfair that one born out of the ultimate silver cutlery drawer should have a talent worthy of rooftop bellowing; but it's a fact. David Linley is a serious Art Deco artisan and there is no better place to enjoy this distinctive style, immaculately interpreted and exquisitely restored, than at Claridge's.
Whilst Claridge's is supremely British in design and concept, it is also refreshingly cosmopolitan. There is no stuffiness, no jingoism, and none of the aloofness so often associated with aristocratic hauteur: now it is ththe aloofness so often associated with aristocratic hauteur: now it is the ultimate destination for many luxe-trotters from around the globe while for some it is their familiar abode when visiting London. So, its location is quite privileged, not to say priceless.
