insideKENT Magazine Issue 39 - June 2015 | Page 117

GETAWAYS

MANDARIN ORIENTAL Hyde Park
'Gourmet' and 'weekend' are two words I will never be tired of hearing, but combine them with
'Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park' and it's a whole different ball game. I don't know what I'd done
to deserve such an invite, but I certainly didn't need to be asked twice. With a long and established
history of providing legendary service worldwide, as anticipated, a foodie escape at our capital's
illustrious five-star retreat was all I had imagined and more. BY GEMMA DUNN
Operating some of the most luxurious hotels,
resorts and residences located in prime
destinations around the world, the Mandarin
Oriental Hotel Group is internationally recognised
– and celebrated – for its ability to provide 21stcentury luxury with a distinct side of oriental
charm. And if there's one thing this opulent chain
knows, it is its place in the market.
Offering a service like no other, underpinned
by a strong sense of self, time and place, every
Mandarin Oriental hotel channels a unique,
timeless elegance – and our capital's branch
certainly doesn't falter. Boasting panoramic views
over affluent Knightsbridge and the Royal Park,
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is one of London’s
most distinguished hotels, and rightly so.
From the minute the uniformed doorman
opens your cab door, you'll want for nothing.
And that's exactly how the team wants you to
feel. As a seamless check-in process ensued
with the most attentive receptionist I'd ever had
the pleasure of dealing with, my guest and I
quickly orchestrated our plan of action – to be
fulfilled inbetween our culinary commitments, of
course!
First and foremost, we discovered our
immaculate top-floor abode for the evening: the
Knightsbridge Turret Suite, which offers no less
than 180-degree views of our vibrant city.
Reflecting the exterior architecture of the hotel
with its unique curved walls and circular interiors,
the impressive open-plan suite features lavish
furnishings, upholstery, elegant artwork, a striking
marble bathroom, and every amenity you could
desire.
With guests' wellbeing key, it's little surprise
the hotel hosts one of the top cosseting spas in
the capital, complete with a serene two-floor
retreat and comprehensive fitness centre. And
having spent a good hour here, my guest and I

were left suitably rejuvenated for the ultimate
foodie indulgence: a traditional afternoon tea,
with a couple of Champagne cocktails thrown in
for good measure!
Served in the hotel's fashionable Rosebery,
a refillable selection of sandwiches (dangerous!),
scones, delicate pastries and cakes arrived, to
be washed down with one of many bespoke tea
blends recommended by the expert tea master.
Quintessential and rather wonderful, it was the
ideal way to kick off a weekend of gourmet
goodness.
I may be writing this in quick succession,
but I can ensure you it was a fair few hours before
my guest and I embarked on our next instalment:
cocktails in the Mandarin Bar and dinner at Bar
Boulud.
The only London restaurant of Michelinstarred chef Daniel Boulud, Bar Boulud offers a
bistro dining experience worth every ounce of its
critical acclaim. Served by the vivacious and
brilliant junior assistant restaurant manager,
Tomas Kubart, our entire sitting was flawless,
not least for the first-class seasonal, rustic French
cuisine that saw us enjoy dishes such as
homemade terrine, charcuterie, coq au vin and
veau à la milanaise. And, on Tomas'
recommendation, it won't be long before I return
to try out the restaurant's famed New York
burgers too!
Having practically rolled into the lift and
onto my sumptuous king-sized bed, a self-inflicted
food coma certainly made for a restful night's
sleep, before you guessed it – breakfast.
Served daily in the hotel's majestic Dining
Room, options included an à la carte menu,
continental buffet, Chinese and Japanese cuisine
and healthy alternatives. Despite my pledge to
go for the latter, I succumbed to the delectable
eggs Benedict before, again, rolling to the
trusty lift.

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Now you may think I'm joking or be asking
the question 'how is she doing this?' (I was asking
the same), but hours later I was back in the Dining
Room for the last stop on my foodie calendar:
lunch at the hotel' s two-Michelin-star Dinner by
Heston Blumenthal.
One of the world's number one restaurants,
Blumenthal and executive chef Ashley PalmerWatts have spent valuable time with food
historians and endless hours at The British Library
in search of ideas; the result is a menu that has
achieved international recognition from food critics,
chefs and customers alike. Focussing on Britain's
gastronomic past, yet adapted for the modern
palate, set lunch options included hay smoked
salmon, roast pollack with parsnips, and millionaire
shortbread – all a visionary masterpiece and
exquisite to taste.
Sat amongst the idyllic backdrop of Hyde
Park, my perfect weekend could only end one
way with a glass of award-winning wine direct
from Kent-based Gusbourne Estate.
The calibre of my gourmet experience at
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is near impossible
to articulate; imagine the best service you have
ever received, paired with the most luxurious
settings and exceptional food, and then quadruple
it. Then add a bit more. Never has the word
'distinctive' seemed quite so apt; a true pioneer
of luxury hospitality, this hotel and its passionate
team is worth every tribute.
Rates at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
start from £390 on a room-only basis. For further
information and bookings on all services offered
– including weddings – call 020 7235 2000 or
visit www.mandarinoriental.com/london.
@mo_london