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The Chesterfield Mayfair announces Britain’s Tea Poet as its Poet in Residence

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:33:18 +0000

The Chesterfield Mayfair is pleased to announce Britain’s Tea Poet as its official poet in residence. Britain’s Tea Poet, Elizabeth Darcy Jones, has being charming guests experiencing the Chesterfield Mayfair’s award winning afternoon tea with her unique style of poetry over the past few weeks.

The announcement comes off the back of Elizabeth’s recent successful book launch, Distinguished Leaves: Poems for tea-lovers. The book brings different teas to life, describing Earl Grey as “such a Nigel Havers of a tea” and the lesser-known Lychee Red “as sweet as the kiss of pink gin.” Now fans of her poems will be able to come to the Chesterfield Mayfair for a more personal interpretation as Elizabeth will be a regular feature at afternoon tea, which has already received a number of accolades, including the UK Tea Council’s Award for Excellence.

Combining both poetry and afternoon tea, Elizabeth recites her own blend of poetry with a “private pot of poetea” complimentary for each guest enjoying afternoon tea. Champagne afternoon tea is always popular and a special extra treat is the Chocolate Lovers’ Tea which is so indulgent it inspired Elizabeth to write a poem about it.

An extract from Afternoon Tea at Butlers, The Chesterfield Mayfair, goes like this:

I wish I was in Mayfair where the Gods materialise
tiers of cake that cry in sweet
planting taste-buds in my eyes

I wish I was a dancer, tracing with my feet
the lines of Butlers’ menu
where tea and cake and champagne meet!

I wish I had a lover so our secret rendezvous
could be in The Conservatory
I’d order Chocolate Lover’s Tea and Starlight Rose for you

Britain’s Tea Poet, Elizabeth Darcy Jones says:

“I am excited to say that I am the official poet in residence at the wonderful Chesterfield Hotel in Mayfair. It’s the perfect choice of venue as it already has an award-winning afternoon tea. To my knowledge it is the first time poetry and afternoon tea has been married together in such a way at a UK hotel and I’ll now be bringing an extra special element with one-to-one “poetea” recital afternoons on a regular basis.”

Oliver Raggett, General Manager at The Chesterfield Mayfair, added:

“Elizabeth has recited her special blend of “poetea” at the Chesterfield on a couple of occasions now, and staff and guests alike have been struck by her charm, wit, warmth and passion for tea. The indomitable rise of the afternoon tea does not seem to have abated, and we’re pleased to be able to offer something a little extra for our guests here at the Chesterfield.”

Traditional afternoon tea at The Chesterfield starts at £25.50 per head for a selection of sandwiches, freshly baked homemade scones with clotted cream and homemade preserve, homemade pastries, cupcakes and, of course, a selection of teas.

Elizabeth will be reciting for guests at the Chesterfield Mayfair on the second Saturday of every month on a complimentary basis. For more information and to book, please contact The Chesterfield Mayfair on 020 7491 2622.

View a video snippet of our tea poet on the Red Carnation YouTube channel.

The Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel Awarded 'Best in Class' 2010 in the AA's Inspectors' Choice Awards

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:47:02 +0100

Red Carnation, the luxury collection of thirteen five and four star family-run boutique hotels, is delighted to announce The Chesterfield Mayfair was awarded an Inspectors' Choice Award 2010/2011 by the AA at last night’s 18th annual AA Hospitality Awards ceremony in London.

The AA has been inspecting and rewarding hotels since 1908, operating the UK's leading accommodation recognition schemes. Each year the AA Inspectors select the very best hotels in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, in each of their five rating categories, identified by red stars. The much coveted red star status showcases hotels that have exceeded their merit score in the accommodation standards rating by consistently delivering high levels of service and memorable experiences to all their guests.

Of the 3,500 hotels within the AA quality-assured accommodation scheme, less than 200 hotels across all categories were awarded with the mark of exceptional excellence in 2010/2011. The Chesterfield Mayfair was recognised as the only hotel in the exclusive Mayfair district of London to receive this prestigious award this year, and one of the best in country.

Oliver Raggett, General Manager of The Chesterfield Mayfair, comments: “We’re absolutely thrilled to receive this award. To be recognised as one of the best hotels in the UK and the Republic of Ireland is a very special commendation indeed. Every member of the team here is passionate about delivering the highest possible standards of personal service in surroundings that are the epitome of splendid luxury. It’s brilliant to have their efforts recognised in this way by such a highly regarded organisation as the AA, as they are the benchmark by which all reputable hotels are governed.”

President and Founder of the Red Carnation Hotels Collection, Bea Tollman, has always been committed to achieving the highest standards of personal service, an ethos expressed in her guiding principle, ‘No request is too large, no detail too small’. This award is therefore testament to the ongoing investments in the collection to provide guests with the finest service, facilities and hospitality in the industry.

Situated in the heart of London's most prestigious district, the quiet and understated elegance of The Chesterfield Mayfair is celebrated for its style, comfort, and exalted levels of personal service. Discreetly tucked away near Berkeley Square and a mere stone's throw from Green Park Tube station, the quiet, calm and efficient service blended with supreme comfort characterize this luxurious four-star hotel. The 94 deluxe guest rooms and 13 luxurious suites are each uniquely designed and equipped with the latest technology. Boasting an exclusive location, Library, Butlers Restaurant, the light and airy Conservatory and the intimate bar cater for every culinary whim or inclination. The traditional British old-world charm of The Chesterfield Mayfair is the perfect London address for business or pleasure; part of the Red Carnation Hotels Collection.

The Chesterfield Mayfair and Vincent Van Gogh

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:33:26 +0000

Vincent Van Gogh, for whom colour was the chief symbol of expression, once said, “great things are done by a series of small things brought together”. So, true to these words, is the relationship between The Chesterfield Mayfair, the four-star luxury boutique hotel in Mayfair, London, and The Royal Academy of Arts, whose partnership invites guests to experience Art, Culture, award-winning Service and Luxury in London between 23rd January and 18th April 2010.

Founded in 1768 by George III, The Royal Academy of Arts is an independent, privately funded institution, led by eminent artists and architects, whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts through exhibitions, education and debate.

The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters, is a landmark exhibition for the Royal Academy. Over 35 original letters, rarely exhibited to the public due to their fragility, will be on display, together with around 65 paintings and 30 drawings that express the principal themes found within the correspondence. The first major Van Gogh exhibition in London for over 40 years, this will be a unique opportunity to gain an insight into the complex mind of this extraordinary artist.

To experience The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters exhibition, visitors to London can choose The Chesterfield’s ART AND CULTURE AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS package which includes:

One night's accommodation in a beautifully appointed room or suite
Full English Breakfast daily
Two guaranteed, fast track tickets to the exhibition of your choice
A framed postcard of the exhibition as a souvenir

Vincent Van Gogh would have felt at home at The Chesterfield Mayfair. Bedrooms and suites are lavishly designed, adopting Van Gogh's love of colour, reflecting the pinstripes of nearby Savile Row, the florals of an English cottage garden, or the vibrancy of the African savannah. These are the rooms for a sound night's sleep filled with dreams and of course, inspiration!

If already in London, enjoy the Exclusive Sunday Evening experience, where the exhibition opens between 6.30pm and 9.00pm on selected Sundays for guests to immerse themselves in Van Gogh’s artful treasures away from the madding crowds.

The EXCLUSIVE SUNDAY EVENING EXPERIENCE includes:

Two tickets to The Real Van Gogh: The Artist and His Letters exhibition
Choice of either a Sunday Roast Dinner or a Full Afternoon Tea at the Chesterfield Mayfair

Situated in the heart of London's most prestigious district, the quiet and understated elegance of The Chesterfield Mayfair is celebrated for its style, comfort, and exalted levels of personal service. Discreetly tucked away near Berkeley Square, and a mere stone's throw from Green Park Tube station, the quiet, calm and efficient service blended with supreme comfort characterize this luxurious four-star hotel. The 94 deluxe guest rooms and 13 luxurious suites are each uniquely designed and equipped with the latest technology. Boasting an exclusive location, Library, Butlers Restaurant, the light and airy Conservatory and the intimate bar cater for every culinary whim or inclination, the traditional British old-world charm of The Chesterfield Mayfair is the perfect London address for business or pleasure. The Chesterfield Mayfair is part of Red Carnation – the luxury five and four star collection of family-run boutique hotels.

A room at the Chesterfield Mayfair with every bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal for only £295

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:33:12 +0000

Louis Roederer’s Cristal and London’s Mayfair district have much in common. Both are synonymous with elegance and luxury, stylish in their appearance, desired for their status and are nothing less than first class. Small wonder that they are beloved of the rich and famous the world over – the place, and the drink, that is on the lips of countless celebrities and royalty. Some would say the two go hand in hand.

Cristal may not be your regular tipple… it is probably something you would like to experience at least once in a lifetime, and now you can at Red Carnation’s exclusive Mayfair Hotel. Spoil yourselves at The Chesterfield Mayfair with an offer too good to miss. From just £295 you will receive a bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal accompanied by a Deluxe room, serving full English breakfast daily. If you really want to impress, enjoy your Cristal with a Suite and enhance your stay with a selection of thoughtful touches such as romantic turndown or chocolates on your pillow.

We will serve your bottle of Cristal perfectly chilled in the bar, in your room, during dinner or even at breakfast… the choice is yours.

Situated in the heart of London's most prestigious district, the quiet and understated elegance of The Chesterfield Mayfair is celebrated for its style, comfort, and exalted levels of personal service. In addition to its fine dining, this 4 star hotel is the perfect location from which to enjoy the many artistic attractions the city has to offer, in an atmosphere which is understated but exclusive. The Chesterfield Mayfair is part of Red Carnation – a luxury collection of family run hotels.

Louis Roederer Cristal is available from the 1st February to 31st December 2009. Rates are subject to availability, priced per room from £295 for one night a Deluxe room based on two people sharing, including Full English breakfast and VAT at 15%.
Romantic Turndown and Flowers & Chocolates are extra
A supplement of £50 applies to upgrade to a Junior Suites and £150 to upgrade to an Executive Suite

About Louis Roederer Cristal
Established in 1776 Champagne Louis Roederer is one of the few remaining completely independent family owned, great Champagne houses. By 1876 the house had achieved such a reputation for quality that the second Louis Roederer was asked by Tsar Alexander II to create Cristal for the exclusive use of the Russian Tsars and in so doing created the first ever Cuvée de Prestige. It is only ever produced in the finest vintages. A blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay from only the most highly rated sites of Roederer’s own vineyards, Cristal is released after five years ageing in the cellars in Reims. To taste Cristal is to be offered a taste of the sublime.

To book: Contact The Chesterfield Mayfair on Tel: +44 (0) 207 491 2622 or email Reservations bookch@rchmail.com or book on line at www.chesterfieldmayfair.com

Entree Magazine

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:46:36 +0000

Entree Magazine comment on The Chesterfield Mayfair's own award-winning Loris Lucchini and The Butler's Restaurant.

Restaurant Manager Loris Lucchini wins Hotel Restaurant Manager of the Year

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:51:19 +0000

The Caterer & Hotelkeeper has named Loris Lucchini of the Chesterfield Mayfair Hotel, in London, as Hotel Restaurant Manager of the Year.

Winning a prestigious Hotel ‘Catey‘ is a resounding personal success for Loris, who has managed the Chesterfield’s Butler‘s Restaurant for the last three years, prior to which he was Restaurant Manager at the Savoy. It is also fitting recognition of the restaurant’s entire service team and reflects the hotel‘s committment to offering exceptional service throughout.

Located at the rear of the hotel between the conservatory and glorious walled garden (owned by neighbour Dartmouth House, home of the English Speaking Union), the wood-panelled Butler‘s restaurant exudes character and good breeding. Executive head chef Ben Kelliher offers British cuisine which is always perfectly in harmony with the seasons and where typical dishes might include smoked salmon (properly sliced at the table), saddle of venison with New Forest ceps, a great roast rib of beef from the trolley or, as Loris himself describes it,. “the best Dover sole in London”.

Oliver Raggett, General Manager of the Chesterfield Mayfair comments:
"Loris's character is what sets him apart. Exemplary restaurant skills are taken as a given in a restaurant such as Butler's. I speak for Loris's guests and colleagues alike when I say that his genuine hunger to get to know the people he comes into contact with is heart warming”.

He goes on: “Loris always remembers people’s faces, and the story behind the face. This is what motivates his team in the restaurant and charms our guests”.

The Chesterfield Mayfair is part of Red Carnation Hotels, a luxury hotel collection with hotels in London, Dorset, Guernsey, Geneva, Palm Beach and South Africa.

Chesterfield Mayfair wins top tea award

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:13:22 +0100

Discover the ‘gold standard’ for tea at this superb Mayfair hotel

When it comes to the perfect cuppa, no-one knows more about how to brew it than the UK’s prestigious Tea Guild. The Guild is a unique organisation that represents and encourages those outlets who are dedicated to both brewing and serving tea to the high standards outlined by the United Kingdom Tea Council.

So when the Tea Guild makes its annual Awards of Excellence, it knows exactly what it is talking about.

The Chesterfield Hotel, located off Berkeley Square in London’s Mayfair, is one of only nine establishments in the capital to be honoured with such an award for 2008. The hotel’s elegant conservatory is the setting for afternoon tea, an experience which appeals to all the senses. Your choice of leaf tea is correctly brewed, in an old-fashioned china pot, using water at boiling point, just as it should be. Whether you are a ‘milk and then just as it comes’ person – with acknowledgment to John Betjeman – or you like to pour milk in afterwards, you won’t find a better cuppa in all London.

But tea at the Chesterfield goes way beyond the nation’s favourite beverage. Finger sandwiches – cheese, chicken, ham and smoked salmon – are presented on a silver étagère, along with traditional cakes baked in-house. Depending on the day, Madeira, Battenberg or marble cake might be offered. And on the top level of the étagère stand, fabulous home-baked scones with Tiptree strawberry jam and clotted cream. What could be more delicious!

The United Kingdom Tea Council founded The Tea Guild in 1985, after an independent survey discovered that, out of the thousands of outlets serving tea, very few were, in fact, achieving the Council’s high standards. Visit their website at www.tea.co.uk.

Hot Chocolate at The Chesterfield Mayfair

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:14:25 +0100

What better way to spend a cool late winter afternoon than relaxing in The Conservatory at the Chesterfield Mayfair, sipping a glass of silky smooth hot chocolate, laced with a drop of liqueur of your choice?

Our hot Chocolate 'sommelier' is passionate about creatively blending the best ingredients - Valrhona Chocolate, fresh Jersey Cream, and he finest flavourings and liqueurs to create a truly unique selection for your enjoyment.

Do come in, relax, and enjoy one of the following:

Hot Chocolate, Topped with Whipped Cream
£4.75

Hot Chocolate & Marshmallow
£5.00

Hot Chocolate with Marmalade
£4.75

Or choose from our delicious range of Boozy Hot Chocolate; laced with

Grand Marnier   -    Chocolate & Orange - £7.95

Poire William   -   - Chocolate & Pear - £7.95

Bailey's   -   Chocolate & Irish Whiskey Cream - £7.95

Amaretto   - Chocolate & Almond - £7.95

Frangelico   - Chocolate & Hazelnut - £7.95

Glayva   - Chocolate & Scottish Whisky - £7.95

And for those of you who prefer hot chocolate as an accompaniment, The Conservatory, flooded with natural daylight, is ideal for a light lunch. The hotel includes other dining venues as well: the award-winning Restaurant, which serves International and English cuisine that changes with the season; the Library - perfect place for a private dinner, quiet drink or afternoon tea; and the Terrace Bar, where light meals are served throughout the day.

Situated in the heart of London's most prestigious district, The Chesterfield Mayfair is celebrated for its style, comfort, and exalted levels of personal service. In addition to its find dining, The Mayfair also is the perfect location from which to enjoy the many artistic attractions the city has to offer, in an atmosphere described by Bliss for Brides magazine as, "understated but exclusive".

For more information call +44 (0)20 7491 2622 or email bookch@rchmail.com. Visit us at www.chesterfieldmayfair.com.

2008: The Chesterfield Mayfair was voted 9th Best Luxury Hotel in the World and 4th Best Luxury Hotel in Europe by the readers/visitors of Tripadvisor.com
2007:   AA Hospitality named Red Carnation Hotels 'Small Hotel Group of the Year'
AA: Superior Four Star Hotel.
"Investors in People" Award for commitment to training and staff development

Tatler Restaurant Guide 2008

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:14:41 +0100

They do a cracking roast rib of beef at this paneled restaurant hidden away at the back of the Chesterfield Hotel. Prices are extremely modest given the quality of the food and the very gracious service is a throwback to a time when nightingales still sang in neighbouring Berkeley Square. If it’s on the menu, try the lemon posset for pudding.