LONDON
DISCOVER SUSTAINABLE BOUTIQUE LUXURY AT
THE HARI, LONDON
BY SAMANTHA READY
Effortlessly stylish and brimming with personality, The Hari is a rather unique find amongst the myriad of effortlessly stylish five-star abodes that punctuate our capital. Sister hotel of The Hari Hong Kong, the emphasis here is to offer a luxurious retreat stay in iconic neighbourhoods underpinned with an unwavering commitment to sustainability. The result is an absolute masterclass in modern luxury, with an intimate, home-from-home feel effortlessly reinforced by unpretentious hospitality.
Designed with an eye for modern elegance, The Hari’ s striking glass-forward façade and striking blue entrance offers a stylish juxtaposition to the neighbourhood’ s typical Georgian architecture and heritage charm. The interiors here perfectly balance the expectation of modern luxury and a sustainable core- think marble bathtubs set into bay windows, floor-to-ceiling soft drapes against a sophisticated taupe colour palette and just the right pop of deep-blue accents typically in bold modern artworks underpinned with eco-friendly initiatives, energy-efficient systems and a focus on reducing environmental impact without compromising on luxury. This ethos is interwoven into the entire experience at The Hari, so much so that the hotel proudly holds the acclaim of seventh‘ Most Sustainable Hotel in the World’ in a recent Trip Advisor ranking.
Having effortlessly navigated our arrival via the prettiest Belgravia streets, from the moment you arrive, The Hari’ s sleek yet inviting aesthetic sets the tone. Think lush velvet sofas, statement art pieces and a soft-lit ambience that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. The check-in experience is seamless, with staff exuding a genuine warmth that hits that sweet spot of making every guest feel more like a returning friend than a first-time visitor.
Offering 85 designer bedrooms, including 14 luxury suites, the plush design never waivers from its commitment to make a stay here as relaxing and comfortable as possible. You’ ll find king-size beds with crisp linens, those aforementioned marble bathrooms which also come with incredible rainforest showers, Diptyque toiletries and remote-controlled lighting and blinds. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer not only plentiful natural light, but also views across the Belgravia skyline, while windowside desks, curated minibars and Nespresso machines complete the considered offering.
Once settled, attention obviously turned to dining and we were pleasantly surprised to find that the main offer here is courtesy of the wonderful Il Pampero, a refined restaurant underpinned by authentic Italian cookery and presented in a flawlessly contemporary finedining atmosphere befitting its surroundings.
We began with that quintessential British institution- afternoon tea- which here has been reimagined as the restaurant’ s newest culinary experience: Dolci Momenti. We devoured the offerings of freshly baked focaccia with 24-monthaged Parma ham, stracciatella and balsamic; crispy deep-fried taleggio which was plentifully dunked into an accompanying fig jam; and carpaccio of the finest quality beef served with ricotta, aged Parmesan and rocket atop crisp ciabatta. This wonderful Italian take on afternoon tea, as its name suggested, proved indeed to be a‘ sweet moment’ as we were presented with tiramisu buns heaving with mascarpone topped with espresso glaze, divine cannoli filled with sweetened ricotta, chocolate and orange, and mini donuts heaving with salted caramel- all offset with JING tea and Champagne.
Yet, if you miss the Dolci Momenti experience which is offered daily between 12pm- 4pm, or you were simply so enamored with the sophisticated deep-green dining room offset with statement bar and bay window set intimate booths that you sought out any excuse to return during your stay, there is a cracking dinner menu, too.
Alongside more of that incredible in-house focaccia expect to find classic dishes of minestrone, beef carpaccio, calamari fritti, antipasti sharers and a range of in-house pasta triumphs and main dishes that included a wonderful tagliata di manzo- dry-aged Angus sirloin served perfectly medium rare with fresh rocket, Parmesan and aged balsamic. For absolute dining theatrics, however( and for the best pasta I have had outside of Rome), opt for the pici cacio e pepe to watch the fresh pasta with creamy pecorino and black pepper sauce prepared tableside in an‘ Oro nero’ cheese wheel, and followed with the house tiramisu which appears on its own trolley as you have your choice of digestif added to the delicate lady finger biscotti, drenched in proper Italian coffee and lashings of cream before your very eyes … Absolute tiramisu heaven!
With its perfect blend of style, comfort and impeccable service combined with standout dining, an utter commitment to sustainability and, of course, an unbeatable location, a stay here was an utter delight that truly ticked the sanctuary stay and‘ look-at-us’ luxury boxes in one effortless, contemporary nod. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, luxurious city break or simply to indulge in some standout Italian cuisine and a clever twist on an afternoon tea, The Hari delivers on every level.
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