I love the Connaught Hotel, it is quintessentially London, it’s a hotel with real soul in a relaxed cheeky, a bit naughty kind of way. It very hard to create excitement and atmosphere in a hotel, there are loads of 5 star spots in central London, some with great bars, like the American Bar at the Ritz, some with fantastic afternoon tea like the Savoy, some with staff that always remember you like Claridges but combining all these qualities and not for a million pounds few London hotels achieve. I’ve been to a couple of big new ones recently the Chancery Rosewood in the old American Embassy building on Grosvenor Square which is super luxurious but still has an office block feel, the Emory on Hyde Park Corner is big, new and 5 star but hasn’t attracted the old school clients that make a 5 star hotel for me, and the Peninsula Hotel in Belgravia, well known for their property with villas on the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Wiltshire Boulevard in Beverley Hills, one of my favourite hotels in the world, haven’t quite managed to translate this king of Hollywood to the Queen of London. It does have pretty views of Hyde Park though.
The Connaught is more like the Beaumont in terms of size, with more history and less art. Go to the Beaumont to see the Anthony Gormley Sculpture outside and the wonderful art collection inside, my favourite painting a Matisse in the bar and terrace restaurant on the roof. Go to the Connaught for atmosphere, fun, mischief, if you want to get heady, stay up late, meet quiet interesting people who like to stay under the radar the Connaught is where you want to be.
The Connaught hotel has staff that never leave so you always feel at home. The stay might not be perfect, the pipes might be a bit noisy and there may be areas where the paint is peeling and the upholstery and carpets are a bit worn, like being a guest in a lady and gentleman’s stately home where the food and welcome, the mouth watering food, piping hot water and 600 thread count sheets and feather pillows are more important than stark spotless bleached bathrooms and brand new fixtures and fittings.
Hélène Darroze is a world-renowned French chef, in 2015 she was awarded the Veuve Clicquot World’s Best Female Chef award and tasting Helene’s food is the number one reason to visit the Connaught if only for dinner. She was born into a family of chefs in Landes, and has secured multiple Michelin stars across her restaurants, including the three-star, (which she has just retained) Helene Darroze at The Connaught in London. Mentored by Alain Ducasse, Helene is known for her "cuisine d'auteur," featuring ingredients from her southwestern French roots, and holds the title of Chevalier in the French Legion of Honour.
Her food is absolutely magnificent. She was born into a family of chefs spanning four generations in Villeneuve-de-Marsan, France. She studied business (graduating in 1990) before joining Alain Ducasse’s team at Le Louis XV in Monaco, where she moved from administrative work into the kitchen.
Helene Darroze opened her own restaurant in Paris nine years later. She gained fame for her work at The Connaught in London, achieving two Michelin stars in 2011 and later three.
Her cooking focuses on seasonal ingredients, often using a unique solitaire game method for guests to select ingredients and then she creates magic for you personally. She frequently blends traditional French techniques with inspiration from her travels. She is mother to two adopted daughters from Vietnam and she splits her time between London and Paris.
Before you book in make sure she’s in residence. Although even if her co executive head chef Marco Zambeze is in command, and makes your dinner for you, you certainly won’t be disappointed.
Dinner at the Connaught with wine typically 5- to 7-course dinner menus are £175–£195 plus per person (small seasonal 5 courses £175, with tasting menus often priced higher) so not cheap, we only go for very special occasions. Wine expect to pay £50 for a bottle at the cheaper end of list, it’ll be very drinkable and a couple of aperitifs before dinner will put £60 on be bill so with service and tip the bill is usually between £250 and £350.
Worth every penny though. We’ve had some of our best and most memorable nights after dinner on the bar at the Connaught.