Epitomising one of London ’ s most enduring food staples , we can assure you ( drawing on our East-End heritage no-less ) that the offerings here are far from humble ! As we peered through the viewing window we were delighted to be able to watch first hand as executive chef Calum Franklin worked his pastry magic on the chilled marble slab . Here , the team concoct dishes for the evening ’ s menu , private dining and to sell direct to the street in paper bags to passing * (* read queuing round the block ) customers from the drop down window .
Juxtaposing the chill of the room , Calum ’ s genuine warmth was evident and gushingly acknowledged , as Jamie Oliver ’ s coined ‘ Pie King ’ took the time to passionately explain the concept , discuss all things pastry and recommend menu choices . So captivated were we by the sense-busting experience we not only vowed to pick a pie option for dinner but left with his debut The Pie Room Cookbook too !
Continuing our whistle stop tour there was one more not-to-be-missed jaw-dropping moment to be had enroute to our suite , the staircase ...
Self-described as an ‘ architectural tour de force in marble ’ the Renaissance-style seven-storey grand staircase ascends from either side of the High Holburn entrance , forming a bridge on the first floor , before rising like a stairway to heaven though all the other floors under an elliptical dome . Stop , stare upwards and marvel as you witness all 50.6m ( the highest permitted at the time of building ) of the Pavonazzo marble – it is simply breathtaking . So captivating was its beauty we made use of every opportunity to pass up and down it throughout our stay , including forgoing the lift to arrive at our suite .
Continuing the hotel ’ s ethos and manor house decorative style of marble , mahogany and contemporary twist , this was a bedroom abode and then some . Designed as a residence rather than room , it was incredible . Entry past the guest bathroom and bar area led to a vast lounge , where cosy sofa , refined armchair and coffee table reading juggled for attention amongst the original features and contemporary artwork . Beyond , the bedroom was a haven of sophisticated bliss . King size bed , Rivolta Carmignani Italian linens and an extensive pillow selection … Our embroidered initials on the outer edges of the crisp oxford pillowcases , the epitome of the level of care , attention and personalised experience guests here enjoy .
And it didn ' t stop there .
Off of the bedroom the most exquisite marble bathroom ; think dressing area , double-ended bath , separate wc , shower , and marble double vanity , and then elevate it further with bespoke Czech & Speake toiletries , soft robes and the rose-petal filled bath – found ready and waiting for us that evening – and you ’ ll be closer to just how amazing it was .
Reluctant to leave , we had of course had our epicurean interest piqued during our tour so it was with renewed curiosity ( and hunger !) that we descended to take our seats for dinner .
Occupying the former East Banking Hall , The Holborn Dining Room , designed by Martin Brudnizki , effortlessly combines its historic doubleheight ceilings , rare green marble columns and original features with flashes of contemporary Britishness . From the imposing bar , which boasts over 500 gins ( your best bet is to ask for a recommendation , ours ended up back with our Kentish roots with a glorious Bathtub Gin with lemon tonic ), to the bold red , curved banquette seating with tweed accents , the heritage-esq lighting to the intricacies of the team ’ s uniforms there are unique twists wherever you care to look .
Aperitifs devoured , we began our journey through the British-with-a-twist menu , starting with the heritage beetroot salad , the simple dish elevated with goats curd and hazelnut ; and the promptly devoured scotch egg , a delicious combination of rare breed pork and white pudding encasing the soft yolk . It ’ s crisp crumb perfect for dunking in the caper mayo .
The universe again rewarded us as the usual day for beef wellington had been moved in our favour . Mr R staking his pastry claim led to my pick of the 50 day-aged Cornish rare breed sirloin , served with a pickled walnut salad and rich bearnaise sauce ; both of us opting for a cheeky side of truffle and parmesan fries . Sneaking my own fair share , I can concur that the wellington was divine and that anyone dining here simply must opt for at least one of the pastry dishes .
Refusing to miss out twice , I plumped for the pastryled dessert , rewarded with a slice of Pump Street chocolate and orange tart . The short sweet pastry melted on the tongue whilst the bitter , sweet chocolate orange ganache was offset perfectly by its crème fraîche . Perhaps in a lockdown-inspired swerve , Mr R opted for the ‘ banana bread ’, revelling in the slab of freshly baked cake topped with caramelised bananas , sweet rum caramel sauce , hunks of fresh honeycomb , and even banana ice cream – it was delicious and the perfectly sweet end to our perfect welcome to our ‘ home-away-from-home ’.
Combining personalised service and sophisticated comforts , our whole experience was luxuriously comfortable , generously welcoming , and appreciatively bespoke . Elevated by the finer details that makes a stay here feel totally tailored to ‘ your stay ’, it is an idyllic abode that should be top of your London wishlists .
Rosewood London 252 High Holborn London WC1V 7EN www . rosewoodhotels . com / en / london
rosewoodlondon RosewoodLondonHotel
THE BEST WAY TO GET TO LONDON
Southeastern runs train services into London from Kent and East Sussex , operating some 2,000 trains a day , including the high-speed from Ashford to St Pancras International in just 38 minutes . www . southeasternrailway . co . uk
103