A Newly Renovated Historic Gem in Chelsea: Belmond Cadogan
The former stomping grounds of socialites, writers and bohemians such as Oscar Wilde and Lillie Lantry, the Belmond Cadogan has some interesting stories to tell. It’s steeped in history dating back to 1887. Today, a four-year, $48 million dollar renovation has given the Queen Ann-style building a fashionable new look.
If you’re familiar with the former building, what used to be the front entrance to Lillie Langry’s townhouse is now the hotel’s residential entrance, at 21 Point Street. The architects re-imagined the new hotel with a nod to bygone days. Wonderful contemporary art floods the walls—430 pieces of original works. Guests checking in can’t help but comment on the Simon Casson piece, which weaves a story of the Cadogan estate from its perch atop a hand-carved reception desk.
The hotel blends a storied past of deep-rooted nostalgia with a new kind of modern, understated luxury. From the front lobby, step into a garden-lined walking tour of world-class restaurants. This is London living like you always imaged it, complete with a library in your guest room, which was curated by a private bookseller. The literati set will feel right at home here.
Even if you don’t even leave the hotel, you can experience every British flavor under the sun. Celebrated chef Adam Handling leads the culinary direction of the Belmond Cadogan Hotel with a restaurant worthy of getting dressed up for—or if you fancy—simply break for a spot of afternoon tea in the Lounge. Chef Handling says of his kitchen moxie, “Modern, British, seasonal, sustainable; that’s the ethos that underpins my cooking. I don’t want to be the best restaurant in the world—I want to be the local’s favourite in Chelsea.” His other restaurant in London— The Frog — is also a highly regarded in the foodie world.
Most renovations are about expansion, but the Belmond Cadogan stayed small. The hotel has just 54 rooms, and 22 of them are suites. But the grounds open up ample opportunities for guests to enjoy the private 93-acre Cadogan Estate Gardens, complete with tennis courts, 300-year-old mulberry trees and beautiful sculptures.
All of this opulence is enhanced by big labels and luxury brands that dot every corner outside the hotel, including Harrods and Harvey Nichols. There are also a decent amount of boutiques, quirky galleries and artisan-run delis. So, the next time you find yourself across the pond, check-in to the heart of a true London gem.
