Corinthia London
As the car rolls to a stop in front of a majestic building, a friendly uniformed staff greets us and declares, “Welcome home!” This genuine hospitality and attentiveness set the tone for our entire stay. The lobby is beautifully adorned with flowers in tall vases and a magnificent chandelier that sparkles in the distance. Checking in, I couldn’t help but smile upon seeing the hotel’s “Carson cart,” which offers guests refreshments, sweet strawberries, and the most delectable macadamia cookies. Our Trafalgar Suite feels like a second home with its spacious living room, fireplace, Hypnos king-size mattress, and other luxury amenities. Positioned next to the Thames River, the hotel offers breathtaking views that have made it a favorite among European royalty, heads of states and celebrities.
Trafalgar Suite feels like home away from home for us with a spacious living room and cozy fireplace.
The Royal Penthouse terrace with views of London’s iconic landmarks.
What truly sets Corinthia London apart is their friendly and vibrant staff, always ready to assist. For example, after enjoying a delicious buffet breakfast, Janis, a server I had met the previous day, remembered my drink preferences and even brought me my usual newspapers. When we casually mentioned needing our clothes pressed quickly, all 12 pieces arrived back in no time. Another day, after touring the magnificent ESPA with the spa director, I wanted to book a massage for two at 8 pm, but the spa’s last available appointment didn’t fit our schedule. Within minutes, Gigi from the concierge called and arranged for in-room treatments as an alternative. One morning, needing a last-minute hair service at the hotel’s Daniel Gavin salon, Nicolas at concierge made it happen. When my friend wanted to take photos at London’s renowned landmarks, Nicolas attentively took notes and delivered. The next day, our hotel driver William, and tour guide Joe, made every effort to show my friend as many attractions as possible, despite the intermittent rain and busy traffic. It felt like we were on an adventure reminiscent of the TV show “The Amazing Race,” and it brought us laughter throughout the afternoon. Not only were they knowledgeable guides, they also made the excursion enjoyable and memorable.
We adore the hotel’s beautiful location, nestled between Trafalgar Square and the Thames River, close to London’s famous landmarks. Despite its immense size with 283 rooms, the hotel manages to feel like a cozy oasis, providing exceptional dining, entertainment, and relaxation (see below). The renowned Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge unveils his culinary skills at his eponymous restaurant, Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, while the talented award-winning chef André Garrett presents his creations at the Northall restaurant. For a sublime outdoor dining experience, the Garden restaurant specializes in hearty Italian cuisine. Located at the heart of the hotel, the Crystal Moon Lounge is famous for its exquisite Afternoon Tea experience. To unwind and relax after a day of exploring the city, guests can pamper themselves at the award-winning ESPA Life, a lavish four-floor spa that offers rejuvenating treatments. And the celebration continues at Velvet, a luxurious Champagne and cocktail bar created by famed mixologist Salvatore Calabrese, serving heavenly cocktails joined by a very stylish group enjoying live music late into the night. Corinthia London offers everything in one enchanting hotel for modern travelers, and we can’t wait to return.
Beverly Hills Vibe speaks with the legendary Thomas Kochs at link here.
Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge and head chef Nick Beardshaw.
KERRIDGE’S BAR & GRILL
For the finest British cuisine, a visit to Tom Kerridge’s Bar & Grill at the Corinthia London is a must. Kerridge, a celebrated Michelin-starred chef and owner of England’s only two Michelin-starred gastro pub, The Hand and Flowers, brings his culinary skills to his first London restaurant at the Corinthia. Teaming up with his talented head chef Nick Beardshaw, they create a casually elegant bistro-style dining experience with a focus on using seasonal “British ingredients, British dairy, British beef, and fantastic fish from Cornwall,” says Kerridge, a beloved chef and best-selling author. My introduction to Kerridge’s cuisine was during a British Airway flight to London, where I savored a roast beef with sundried tomato dish. The simple meal was surpassed only by its sensational flavors, prompting me to search the menu to know the source of this heavenly food. At his London restaurant, the menu boasts mouthwatering dishes that showcase Kerridge’s expert touch and imaginative flair from the Creedy Carver Duck Breast to the West End Farm Pork Loin with glazed pumpkin, and a delectable vegan menu as well. No matter which dish you choose from this quintessentially British menu, it will undoubtedly prove why The Sun describes Kerridge as “The culinary master” and Conde Nast Traveller calls him a “national treasure.”
Tom Kerridge’s Bar & Grill restaurant.
Andre Garrett, Michelin-starred executive chef of the Northall Restaurant.
NORTHALL RESTAURANT
Multi-award winning executive chef, André Garrett, boasts an impressive culinary background having worked in famous Michelin-starred kitchens such as The Orrery, Galvin at Windows, and Cliveden House. Chef Garrett is renowned for his talent in blending French and European influences with a genuine love for British ingredients. He and his team consistently create dishes that are both comforting and exquisite, capturing the essence of each season’s finest flavors.
Corinthia.com/NorthallRestaurant
Northall Restaurant
ENCHANTING AFTERNOON TEA
Experience one of the most coveted afternoon teas at Corinthia London. Immerse yourself in the stunning Crystal Moon Lounge, where a breathtaking “full moon” Baccarat crystal chandelier illuminates above, while the melodious notes of a live piano create the perfect setting. Begin your indulgence with a glass of Champagne, followed by a wide selection of teas. For a delightful twist, I highly recommend the white ginger tea, which delicately tantalizes your taste buds with its hint of spice. Served in an elegant bespoke bone china set by Richard Brendon, my teapot was a vibrant red hue. My friends delighted in their black and white tea sets, sparking lively conversations that added to the lovely afternoon. Savor the featherlight scones paired with house-made jams and be dazzled as a gold cart rolls out an assortment of delicious cakes that are as pleasing to the eyes as they are to the palate throughout the enchanting afternoon.
VELVET BAR by SALVATORE CALABRESE
The revelry continues at Velvet bar, a luxurious Champagne and cocktail bar led by the award-winning bartender Salvatore Calabrese, known as “The Maestro.” Hailing from Italy, Calabrese has dedicated over four decades to crafting inventive cocktails, including his famous Breakfast Martini and Spicy Fifty. Within only one year of its inception, Velvet soared to an impressive 98th position among the top bars on the esteemed Top 500 Bars global ranking. Stop by and raise a glass to the Velvet team!
AWARD-WINNING ESPA LIFE
As the largest spa in London, the award-winning ESPA Life offers a serene haven for revitalizing both your body and mind. During my visit, I had the pleasure of a guided tour with Aysun Mut, the spa director. I was amazed by the 17 treatment rooms and the wide array of wellness offerings, including a Chinese fusion massage that combines the benefits of acupuncture, acupressure, and cupping. The spa itself is an architectural masterpiece, featuring sleek black Italian marble, curved lacquered walls, and strategically placed treatment pods to enhance energy flow. The Thermal Floor is visually stunning with flickering fires casting a warm glow over the indoor swimming pool, vitality pool, steam-free glass sauna, ice fountain, heated lounge beds, and private sleep pods. In addition, the spa provides world-renowned facial treatments and molecular skincare by Dr. Barbara Sturm, a German aesthetics doctor celebrated for her work with Hollywood stars. I indulged in Dr. Sturm Signature Glow facial treatment, expertly administered by the head therapist, Serena Ambrosino. It was the perfect pampering experience, leaving my skin deeply nourished with a radiant glow, just as the name suggests. Whether you’re looking to relax or revitalize your body and mind, ESPA Life ensures that each guest has an unforgettable experience, and with its range of exceptional treatments, you will leave feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated.
