Hotel Like Jagger: The Athenaeum

It isn’t too much of a stretch to state boldly that The Athenaeum Hotel combines four of my favorite interests: architecture, interior design, art and Elizabeth Taylor.

The Victorian charm of the property’s birth date of 1850 and the Art Deco spirit of the 1930s left an indelible imprint on the space, not least in the stunning suites that have been refashioned as a series of spacious rooms that blends classic Britishness, luxury and a sprinkle of eccentricity.

The hotel’s lobby is conceived as a bridge between British history and art, with plush velvet sofas, a grand marble espresso bar and art works ranging from images of Mick Jagger to a giant portrait of Absolutely Fabulous star Joanna Lumley.

This attention to detail extends into the guest rooms. Herringbone linen wallpaper, bronze finishes, mirror panels that mimic a reflecting room and creates an alternative dimension of the room, art deco inspired furniture and linens created by a local craftsman based in a tiny loom in Hampshire., result in a relaxed and elegant aesthetic. Each room overlooks the beautiful Green Park. If the design doesn’t calm you, try slipping under the sheets on top of the Hypnos mattresses. Warning: you may never want to get up, which may not be a problem since the hotel offers an extensive 24 hour room service menu.

When you first enter The Athenaeum Hotel you are greeted by a dapper doorman, Jim, in a top hat that has worked for the hotel for the past 15 years. That is a reminder of the kind of sophisticated charm and unique eccentricity you can expect from The Athenaeum.

Off to the left of the bobby sits the hotel’s bar that once served drinks to the likes of Elizabeth Taylor. The bar is set in the most handsome setting and the perfect place to share an intimate cocktail. The lush green velvet chairs and gold accents perfectly accent the black marble bar. Gennaro, the Italian bartender, is a genius, award winning mixologist who always knows exactly what cocktail you need.

The food is equally as impressive. Galvin at The Athenaeum is the hotel’s restaurant from Michelin-starred London chefs Chris and Jeff Galvin. The brother’s create delicious dishes championing Britain’s homegrown produce and supporting independent farmers across the UK. An exciting array of menus include Afternoon Tea and Private Dining, and feature a modern take on classic British dishes combined with Galvin favorites. Galvin also has a sister restaurant, Galvin La Chapelle located at 35 Spital Square. Head there to enjoy an evening under medieval-style chandeliers, lofty stone ceilings and statuesque pillars. The Michelin stared food will leave you and your taste buds feeling a level of inspiration you never thought possible.

Back at the hotel, head up to the newly revealed space The View - a private club located in the former penthouse of the hotel, to enjoy cocktails and aperitifs while looking at the London Eye and one of the most impressive views in London.

This is one hotel that I am sure I will be revisiting again and shooting a number of killer looks in its stunning interiors. Click here for more.

(All images by Lorenzo Vinti)