Words by Rachel McAlley
Our first night post-lockdown in a 5* hotel was everything we expected and much more. Dukes London is one of those rare finds, a classically stunning old-fashioned hotel with style, elegance, and an astonishing history.
Way before the hotel officially opened in 1908 Dukes was the London residence of Henry VIII and was used to entertain his many lady friends. It is also rumoured that whilst the Polish composer Chopin was staying at Dukes he may have written one of his famous compositions during the Romantic period.
Fast forward to the roaring 2020s and Dukes London has emerged as a leading luxury hotel for travellers from across the globe. Guests that have previously stayed at Dukes usually return to the feeling of a family from the moment they walk through the doors.
Our writer Rachel McAlley was fortunate to visit Dukes as it emerged from a long unexpected closure due to Covid lockdowns, and what a visit it was.
From the moment the doorman took her luggage at the door she knew that this trip was going to be exquisite. The reception team were eager to help with check-in and run through restaurant opening times for dinner and breakfast, and then the luggage was taken directly to the room. What more could a girl ask for!
The Duke of Grafton Suite
The hotel room was in fact a suite, The Duke of Grafton Suite, a one-bedroom ground floor room with separate lounge, complete with dining table, luxurious large sofas, mini bar and chocolate brownie welcome gift. The delicate marble tiled bathroom walls and floor were far too pretty to be in a bathroom, and the ESPA sleep mask, lip balm and bath salts were unexpected treats, greatly received.
Afternoon Tea
Rachel took Afternoon Tea in the Dukes Drawing Room, and was seated in the alcove where Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother reportedly took her afternoon tea many years before. If it’s good enough for the Queen Mother then it’s almost certainly good enough for us!
A selection of traditional finger sandwiches including; Severn & Wye smoked salmon with dill cream cheese, and pickled cucumber on beetroot bread were amongst the classic free range egg mayonnaise with mustard cress on white bread, and honey and clove glazed gammon with fig relish and cheddar on granary. Sweet bakes included; Yorkshire rhubarb tart with creamed rice pudding, plus brown butter financiers, lemon curd horns, and cloud-like fluffy scones with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry preserve.
The hotel also serves Champagne Afternoon Tea, MarTEAni Afternoon Tea (with three beautifully paired mini martinis using East India Company Gin), and Vegan Afternoon Tea.
Once the afternoon tea had settled Rachel was invited to take a look around the hotel to see some of the facilities for guests and visitors. There is a small but perfectly formed gym below ground, wellness salon for ESPA treatments, and a cognac and cigar garden for customers to sit outside under cover and enjoy a Remy Martin fine cognac with a cigar before or after dinner.
Dukes Bar
Dukes Bar was the next point for our writer to stop and spend some time, where she was in the company of acclaimed Bar Manager Alessandro Palazzi. It is thought that the writer Ian Fleming spent many an evening at Dukes Bar relaxing with a martini or two. Alessandro made a traditional dirty martini for Rachel, and with five shots of liquor in each drink the hotel has a rule where guests can only purchase a maximum of two martinis per visit.
The rest of the evening was then enjoyed in The Duke of Grafton Suite watching TV and relaxing.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served at GBR, the hotel’s Great British Restaurant, open to everyone not just residents. Situated in the heart of St James GBR offers a contemporary setting, much like a speakeasy from the 1920s. Opulent seating, velvet upholstery, and leather bar stools overlook the restaurant, and the breakfast menu is traditional yet very 2020.
A-La-Carte dishes include organic porridge topped with peanut butter, banana and cacao, or Dukes granola with natural set yoghurt and fruit compote. There are gluten free options, and Instagrammable breakfast choices like crushed avocado on toasted sourdough, or stacked pancakes. The Full-English at Dukes’ GBR is carefully crafted with Cumberland sausage, dry cured or streaky bacon, field mushroom, grilled tomato, Bury black pudding, sauté potatoes and any egg you wish for. It is a menu to behold.
Guests are able to request a late check out and the hotel team will do all they can to accommodate, nothing is too much trouble for all who work at Dukes London.
The visit to Dukes London took place on 19th May 2021, just 2-days post-lockdown and all Covid restrictions and rules were in place at the hotel. Facemasks were worn in public spaces, hand sanitiser was available, and all social distancing adhered to.
If you are planning a visit to London in 2021 Dukes is almost certainly the hotel we would recommend.
Pricing
The Duke of Grafton Suite, priced from £1,002 per night. Traditional Afternoon Tea, priced at £35 per person. Champagne Afternoon Tea, priced at £45 per person. MarTEAni Afternoon Tea, priced at £48 per person. Vegan Afternoon Tea, priced at £35 per person. Dukes Bar Martini, priced from £19.50 each. GBR Continental Breakfast, priced at £27.50 per person. GBR Full-English Breakfast, priced at £31 per person.
