Parisian Flair In The Heart Of Chelsea: At Sloane – Review

If you know, you know, says Mary Lussiana: At Sloane is Chelsea’s latest go-to hotel for the cognoscenti, discreetly tucked away behind Sloane Square. A sibling to Paris’s acclaimed Hotel Costes, it resonates with quiet, old moneyed luxury and flawless taste, seamlessly taking its place amidst the elegant 19th century hotels that London is famous for. 

Hotel Review: At Sloane, Chelsea

STAY

Step in through the unobtrusive door of this red-bricked 19th century mansion building – originally designed by Edwin Thomas Hall (who gave London Liberty’s) – and you are met with a welcome sense of calm overlayered with antiques and leaded windows, shelves of books and floors of mosaics under a ceiling depicting a stormy English sky. Head to your room past huge, black and white vintage photographs on the narrow staircase, or ride the elegant Parisian-style lift, Parisian. The thirty rooms and suites are all different, but equally gorgeous, with a seductive and sophisticated feel to them. Timber-panelled walls, enticing books, Art Deco leaded or stained-glass windows and linen-clad beds lead into classically elegant bathrooms with huge porcelain bath tubs.

This collaboration between the 300-year-old Cadogan Estate and designer Francois-Joseph Graf took over six years to complete, and included an extensive renovation of the building. Inspiration from the Arts and Crafts movement, so much part of Chelsea’s heritage, was the starting point for many of the 50-custom made French fabrics, the 21 carpet designs and the 19 curtain designs. Add to that the William Morris designed chairs, the antiques, hand-painted trompe l’oeil and stylish Benson light fittings and you have At Sloane.

DO

Well, shopping is the obvious answer, as the hotel is a hop and a skip away from the temptations of Sloane Street – whether that means Dyptique, Cassandra Goad or Emilia Wickstead. There is also the Royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square for evenings, and the Saatchi Gallery for art-filled afternoons. A wander through the many shops in the King’s Road is always fun, too, but bibliophiles should head straight to John Sandoe Books on Blacklands Terrace, just off the King’s Road.

When you have had your fill of shops, double back in time to change into something ‘Parisian Chic’ and descend for a drink at At Sloane’s speakeasy bar, which also has a separate entrance on Holbein Place. There on burgundy velvet chairs against wood-panelled walls, indulge in a martini (dirty, three olives or with a twist) or margarita (Tommy’s, spicy Jalapeño or Paloma) pre-dinner, along with a dollop of caviar or a slice of foie gras if you want to do it in style. But come down for a night cap, too: on Thursday, Friday and Saturday there is a DJ in action and a real buzz.

EAT

Situated on the sixth floor, the hotel’s very private restaurant serves impeccable Parisian fare on white-clothed tables under high ceilings. There is also a cupola for a table of four for those who prefer to be tucked away. The black and white chequerboard floors set the tone, whilst above them white lacquered shelves groan with Chinoiserie vases, hand-picked by Graf in Singapore, in a nod to Jeckyll and Whistler’s Peacock Room from 1876. The Hoffman, Godwin and Mackintosh chairs are illuminated by light that comes in through the leaded glass windows; it’s a still life setting.

Food is modern French, overseen by Jean-Louis Costes with dishes served in both Paris and London. Start with the artichoke and green bean salad, fresh and crunchy with lemon and olive oil. Or opt for one of their popular nems (here with chicken and Thai basil). Follow that with a beef tartare with allumettes – both seriously delicious – or the macaroni with morel mushrooms. But a dish I will definitely come back for was the Tom Yam black halibut. Memorable. And the wine list meets all expectations.

THE FINAL WORD

At Sloane is a real addition to the capital’s luxury hotel market. Whilst this year has seen big, splashy openings like The Peninsula and Raffles At The OWO, it is hotels like the under-the-radar At Sloane which offers a London that many seek. It’s elegant, understated and discreet, with quiet luxury and aesthetic pleasure at every turn.

BOOK IT

Double rooms start £600. atsloane.com