insideKENT Magazine Issue 42 - September 2015 | Page 98

GETAWAYS

REFINED LUXURY AT

Baglioni Hotel LONDON
When it comes to hospitality, no one does it like the Italians; and if we're talking
five-star, no one does it quite like Baglioni Hotel London. Situated in the heart
of our cosmopolitan capital, overlooking Hyde Park, you'd be hard pushed to
imagine a better spot from which to enjoy 'A Royal Occasion'... BY GEMMA DUNN

Boasting unrivalled views of the historic
Kensington Palace and Gardens, Baglioni Hotel
London has remained loyal to the royal and
conjured up a regal package of sorts to please
even the most discerning of guests. And first up
on the itinerary is an hour-long, private tour of
the palace.
Ready to don a crown and having practiced my
courtesy (you never know!), I waited patiently to
meet my expert 'Palace Explainer' outside the
Golden Gates. The meeting time of 8.45am is
certainly an early start, but well worth it to gain
access prior to public opening an hour later.
Inside, the royal residence was just as I had
imagined; a magnificent journey through time,
with exciting memorabilia, two fascinating
exhibitions, and a myriad of rooms that date
back as far as the 17th century – each one
grander than the next. But the star of the show
was Roz, our incredible guide who brought the
place to life with her countless, vivid anecdotes
and real passion for the subject in hand.
With so much to see, including the unmissable
landscaped gardens, a morning at Kensington
Palace is indeed a morning well spent.
As Baglioni Hotel beckoned, so did our next
treat: a Champagne afternoon tea. Settled in the
refined Brunello Lounge (al fresco dining is
available on the Bellavista Terrace when the

weather allows), my guest and I opted for the
hotel's signature afternoon tea – an Italian take
on the quintessential English pastime we know
and love.
Paired with a refreshing flute of Bellavista (when
in Rome!), we enjoyed a medley of freshly cut
sandwiches including sundried tomatoes and
ricotta cheese; grilled Mediterranean vegetables
with focaccia; and rosetta bread with bresaola,
rocket salad and parmesan flakes; in addition to
a selection of cakes from the pâtisserie, and
homemade, warm scones served with strawberry
jam, clotted cream and Nutella. Three delicious
tiers later, and I can confirm traditional with an
Italian flair works superbly, underpinned by the
culinary team's desire to use only the highest
quality ingredients across the board.
One cake too many and I was pleased to be
'rolling' to the lift in a bid to discover our fourthfloor Deluxe room – a spacious suite with opulent
dark wood furnishings; a separate lounge area,
complete with a functional desk, TV and open
fire; a contemporary, luxurious en suite bathroom;
and all the extra amenities one could hope for.
Whether it's room service, a chauffeur-driven car
or personal butler, at Baglioni guests want for
nothing – and that's just how the dedicated team
like it.
Why guests can while away the time in their
room, gazing at the views of Kensington Gardens
and beyond, there's also an onsite fitness centre

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and renovated spa in which to relax your body
and mind.
Opting for the latter, but in the comfort of our
own room, we enjoyed a (rare) tranquil couple
of hours before heading down to the intimate
Brunello Restaurant for dinner – an additional
booking to the Royal Occasion, but one I would
highly encourage.
Facing Kensington Gardens, on the ground floor
of the Baglioni Hotel, this intimate eatery is the
first concept restaurant of the Baglioni Hotels
Group; a versatile area featuring ambiances with
luxurious details – comfortable grey and gold
velvet armchairs, Murano glass candelabras and
an imposing fireplace – and a designer bar, which
dominates the room.
Served by the impeccable waiting team, my
guest and I kicked off proceedings with a
recommended bottle of Surani
Costarossa, Primitivo di Manduria, 2013 (the
extensive wine list has around 500 labels, so it's
a good idea to ask for counsel), and a selection
of Italian breads and dipping oils.
In the way of starters, our desire to try some
'proper' Italian pasta prevailed and we opted for
smaller portions of the delectable linguine with
crab, chilli and Amalfi lemon, and an exceptional
cavatelli pasta with lamb and mint ragout – both
of which paid testament to the menu's