No doubt, the extensive list of who’s who that have sashayed through the suites and penthouses over the years would have been impressed by the impeccably curated design concept and private terraces that overlook Hyde Park. But, then again, who wouldn’t?
One of Knightsbridge’s most renowned hotels with a history that spans more than a century, The Berkeley serves up five-star service in spades – evident upon arrival when luggage is discretely whisked away by bowler-hatted doormen, who, thanks to sharp research, know your face and name before you’ve even had the chance to say, “hello!”
The sleek lobby, peppered with contemporary objet d’art and swanky furnishings, is the beating heart of the property. Abuzz with fashionable guests making their way to Cédric Grolet or perusing Collins Room’s refined breakfast menu, The Berkeley attracts well-heeled travellers and locals that have long frequented the affluent part of the capital. Particularly those with a sweet tooth.
While the hotel boasts a luxurious spa, plus a glorious rooftop pool with sweeping views across Belgravia and the unparalleled vistas of London’s legendary skyline, it’s the culinary credentials that are magnetising for many: Jean-Georges Vongerichten has just expanded his award-winning empire with abc kitchens, joining Cédric Grolet’s highly respected patisserie. At the former, located at The Emory (part of the same hotel cluster), abc kitchens presents hyper-seasonal menus with a supplier-specific approach, mirroring the ethos of the brand’s three New York-based restaurants. Abandoning the traditional use of meat stocks and creams, Vongerichten’s cuisine instead features the intense flavours and textures from vegetable juices, fruit essences, light broths and herbal vinaigrettes. Showcasing the French chef’s forward-thinking plant-focused dishes, abc kitchens celebrates the best of mother nature in a contemporary dining space designed by Rémi Tessier, featuring outstanding artworks by Damien Hirst. At the latter, expect exquisite edible works of art…
In 2022 to roaring accolade, Cédric Grolet opened his first patisserie outside of France at The Berkeley, serving as an appetising representation of the creative’s masterful mind. Having risen to fame over the past decade, Grolet holds a string of accolades citing him as the best pastry chef in the world, recognised for his trompe-l'oeil artistry and captivating Instagram account which has amassed a following of 10.2 million devotees.
At his London outpost, with its laboratory-like aesthetic and Chef’s Counter which plays host to exclusive dining experiences, guests can book an up-close-and-personal sneak peek into the innovation behind Grolet’s globally renowned fare, complete with a lavish selection of mouth-watering samples. Goûtea, the chef’s imaginative twist on Afternoon Tea is equally otherworldly, with hyper-realistic recreations of fruit and flowers fashioned into elaborate desserts, guaranteed to etch themselves into the minds of those with a weakness for culinary genius.
A visit wouldn’t be complete without calling in on The Berkeley Bar & Terrace to witness the theatrical mixologists at work. An intimate hideaway with cosy alcoves that make you feel as if you’re cocooned in a bubble of your own, statement design features imagined by Bryan O’Sullivan include an artfully inspired half-moon marble bar, a mesmerising fireplace and The Snug – an Instagram-worthy space adorned with plush pink furnishings and a spectacular mural, by artist, TM Davy. Boasting its own sound system and call-for-service button, be sure to browse the bar’s finely curated menu of rare vintages and small-batch creations from across the globe. Drinks are accompanied by a selection of indulgent small plates, with gastronomic delights such as the Carlingford oysters, Dorset crab tacos, sun-dried tomato and mozzarella arancini and our personal favourite, the crispy enoki mushroom and truffle maki rolls, complementing the sumptuous experience.
Once it’s time to retreat to the Land of Nod, the crème de la crème of elegant abodes come in several chic offerings. Designed by André Fu, the Crescent Pavilion Penthouse with its wrap-around terrace, two spacious living rooms and statement bar and dining space is an entertainer’s paradise, while the Hyde Park Penthouse, designed by Joyce Wang, features a modern design aesthetic drawn from nature, echoing the curvilinear silhouettes and organic textures seen at London’s most iconic park.
A stay in any of the hotel’s distinguished dwellings is equally enchanting, each with its magnificent marble-laden bathroom and uber-luxe amenities. The curators really have thought of everything.
Perched on the corner of Wilton Place and Knightsbridge, moments from Harvey Nichols and Harrods, visitors with an appreciation for luxury shopping and fine dining will no doubt find themselves at home at The Berkeley. Radiating sophistication in a classic-meets-contemporary fashion, as the great Annie Lennox waxed lyrical, “Sweet dreams are made of this.” Book now
