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SleepThe Draycott HotelOld London always surprises with something new. Every time I visit I discover a special treat – this time I found two. Allow me to share: Without apology to Rodgers & Hart – “There’s a small hotel….” And it’s The Draycott; what a find! Just 35 gorgeous rooms in a five star Edwardian house tucked away from the crowds on the quiet, lovely and private Cadogen Gardens (address: Number 26). You’d never dream you’re just steps away from the bustle of Chelsea’s Kings Road with its slightly Bohemian atmosphere, smart shops and cafes – and a short walk to Knightsbridge with luxury stores like Harrod’s and Harvey Nichols. But – I dare you to leave the Draycott’s antique filled rooms or suites (the former with full kitchens), each themed on a theatrical personality with appropriate posters, programs, etc. (mine was named for the lovely actress Peggy Ashcroft) and fitted out with working fireplaces, satellite TV, a CD music system, complimentary Wi-Fi and wonderful bathrooms. Accommodations at the back of the hotel overlook the private garden (go when the cherry blossoms are in season!) All this and a hearty English breakfast, 24 hour room service and the bonuses of complimentary tea and biscuits served at 4PM – champagne (a very nice Billecourt Salmon) at 6PM – and hot chocolate before tucking into big beds specially made for the hotel and covered with Sea Island cotton linens. Best sleep I’ve ever had! My rating is a fat 4. A final surprise: with its own entrance, Number 22 Cadogan Gardens is the Draycott’s private mansion for the exclusive use of a special party or corporate event. Nine rooms and suites, its own breakfast/dining room, chef – even a chauffeur. Is this exclusive or what! My rating is a fat 4!
The Draycott Hotel ****************************DineThe Marcus Wareing Restaurant at the Berkley HotelNow, my next special treat was discovering the totally superb restaurant, Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley (hotel). I shared a special Valentine’s Day menu with my dear friend, John Scott, and it knocked our socks off! At just 18, Chef Wareing started at the top and has gone into the stratosphere. From his first job at The Savoy to working with Gordon Ramsay, to opening Petrus to ultimately having his own name on the restaurant and scooping up every conceivable award – along with 2 Michelin Stars – it has been a meteoric 20-year rise. And I am here to testify: his food deserves every award, every star he has earned – and then some!
Valentine’s Day 2010, lonely with Jackie back home, I fell in love with a dazzling array of dishes on the Chef’s special menu with accompanying wines. Marcus is master of foie gras from the two different flavored domino-size blocs as amusee bouches to the main attraction as the third course, his are glorious, bursting to melt in the mouth like an exotic liqueur. The warm Welsh smoked salmon course was not served in the usual sliced form, but a thick chunk which put all the others I’ve had to shame. The Chef captures the essence of each dish and amplifies it resulting in a taste never before experienced. This was true of the sautéed Scottish Scallop with bits of licorice (!), the pan fried foie gras and the last course, lamb that (I’m like a broken record!) out-classed all I’ve enjoyed in the past, tender, perfectly-pink, fragrant. The parade of accompanying wines started with a rose champagne and continued with an Italian Nebbiolo, Duckhorn “Decoy” from Napa. And more champagne with the warm chocolate & caramel moelleux with Pedro Ximenez ice cream. Heavenly! I give Marcus a rating of 4.5. All in all, it was a superb way to spend the day before Valentine’s. The only thing missing (apologies to friend John) – my heart was at our home in Sherman Oaks. We’ll travel …...
Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley |
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