Review: The Stafford Hotel

In St James’s, Mayfair, Hidden away is the historic, red-bricked, luxury hotel – The Stafford London. Face masks are on for our first post-lockdown review!

 

Stylish and grand, this hotel will be celebrating 110 years next year and holds a rich history. Originally built as private residences in the 17th Century, the building changed hands many times, with many different uses. However, in 1912, three of the residences were combined, and The Stafford Hotel was born.

In the years that followed, it served as a club to American and Canadian officers, and the wine cellars were used as an air-raid shelter during the Second World War. Later, the nearby stables were transformed into luxury accommodation to complete the current hotel’s offering. It now comprises 107 rooms and suites in four buildings; the classic contemporary Stafford Mews, the Carriage House with country glamour, the opulent Gatehouse and the main house, full of elegance and grandeur mixed with modern comfort.

Our arrival

Immaculately appointed, the lobby was beautiful, and we were escorted through to our suite, a Mews Suite just a little walk through the hotel. It was lovely to pass by the restaurant, The Game Bird, and The American Bar and have a little peek in to see the lush and plush blue velvet sofas in The Game Bird and the walls of The American Bar, filled with framed pictures and dark wooden panels. There was so much character and atmosphere, we’d soon experience it all!

We visited on a hot and sunny June day and passing by the cobbled courtyard, surrounded by the white building of the Carriage House; we looked out onto some glorious al fresco dining. It was so lovely to see people outside, enjoying the very best of British cuisine under beautiful hanging baskets of flowers in the sunshine. There was such a buzz!

Our suite

As the door swung open, the cool air hit us, refreshing and revitalising in the heat!  With a gorgeous marble floor, windows overlooking the courtyard with its beautiful flowers, first impressions were just wonderful. We were welcomed with champagne, fruits and a lovely note before exploring some more.

This would be a perfect space for a bride to get ready for her big day. With a guest bathroom, a dressing room tucked away, a makeup table is hidden around a corner, perfect for a makeup session, a huge living area, and a beautiful bathroom with huge dark marble basins. There is plenty of room for a bridal shower party to relax and prepare. The bathroom held Floris toiletries, and there was even a little rubber duck friend!

Weddings at The Stafford London

The Stafford London has a number of private rooms that can be hired for weddings, and is a licensed venue.

• The Sutherland Room is an impressive panelled room with marble fireplaces, perfect for a sit-down dinner or combined with The Panel Room.
• The Panel Room has mahogany panelled walls and more beautiful fireplaces. Combined with The Sutherland Room, it is a gorgeous area for a drinks reception.
• The Argyll Room is flooded with natural light, with stylish grey walls and a marble fireplace.
• The Pink Room can be combined with The Argyll Room to create a larger space.
• The Wine Cellar is a unique space that can be transformed into a cosy, romantic candlelit retreat for a small reception.

For more information on hosting a wedding or special event, please speak to their dedicated events team on:

Telephone: +44 207 518 1104
Email: meetingsandevents@thestaffordlondon.com

The Wine Cellar

It was here, in the wine cellar, that we met Gino, a Master Sommelier with over 30 years experience, who knows everything about the wines held in what is believed to be the oldest cellar in the UK.

What Gino doesn’t know about wine isn’t worth knowing! Deep below St James’s Square, as we climbed down, it was like descending through history.

As we walked past black gated cages of wines dating back 300 years, it was almost like visiting a museum, with original newspapers and gas masks from its time as an air raid shelter also displayed. It was a fascinating trip through time, and the cellar would be such a gorgeous, intimate venue for a small sit-down wedding breakfast; it has such a special atmosphere and heaps of character.

New at The Stafford London

A new duplex suite and refurbished rooms are now available at The Stafford London, and we were lucky enough to be escorted by Ned to see them.

 

 

 

 

The Stafford Suite is split over two floors, with incredible views from the balcony and terrace, which are large enough to host a beautiful outdoor wedding reception. It feels like a private luxury apartment, with soft lighting, gentle décor and a green colour palette. It’s a gorgeous fusion of history and contemporary style, perfectly keeping with the rest of the hotel.

Dinner at The Stafford London

Dinner was served in The Game Bird, where a relaxed but luxurious atmosphere welcomed us. With plush blue velvet seating, dark wooden tables and beautiful décor, we couldn’t wait to sit down, and Luca looked after us as he showed us to our booth.

We enjoyed a feast – smoked and cured off the trolley; I chose my salmon, which had layers of delicious flavour. Then a lobster scotch egg with lovage mayonnaise and celeriac slaw, followed by Dover Sole, which was so delicate, it just melted in the mouth. A bitter chocolate tart with tonka bean ice cream finished a decadent and delightful meal perfectly. We were really well looked after – Luca was so friendly and the food divine.

Our masks back on for the journey to bed, we passed the courtyard again, this time lit with twinkling fairy lights and glittering in the night.

Bedtime beckoned, and the bed, high and lofty, created the focal point of the bedroom. It was like sleeping on a cloud – cosy and soft – and we slept incredibly well.

Breakfast at The Stafford London

Between us, we enjoyed The Stafford Full English and a light and fluffy omelette, perfect after a gorgeous night’s sleep, before waving goodbye to the wonderful staff.

We enjoyed a spectacular stay. The staff are friendly, the food divine and the beds heavenly. Here are our highlights:

• Award-winning cuisine – we didn’t want the meal to end!
• Beautiful courtyard – see gorgeous flowers by day and twinkling lights by night
• Impressive wine cellar – full of history and beautifully intimate

The Stafford London

16-18 St James’s Place, London, SW1A 1NJ

+44 207 493 0111

https://thestaffordlondon.com

reservations@thestaffordlondon.com