Brown's Hotel: meet the oldest hotel in London

Filled with history and constantly evolving, the Brown's Hotel, from Rocco Forte Hotels, the oldest hotel in London, is a true symbol of British luxury — where tradition meets contemporary sophistication. Since its opening in 1832, this legendary address in Mayfair has been the venue for royal gatherings, literary inspiration, and memorable moments, always maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence and discreet elegance. Today, Brown's continues to set the standards for modern luxury, combining its historic legacy with an innovative approach to hospitality. From its sumptuously decorated suites to the iconic afternoon tea, Brown's remains a timeless London icon — always in tune with the present. Under the curation of Olga Polizzi, design director of Rocco Forte Hotels, the hotel's spaces and suites undergo constant renovations, blending tradition and modernity. Every detail of the decor pays homage to Brown's illustrious legacy, combining a refined aesthetic with an exuberant style that captures the sophisticated essence of the British capital. In 2018, the hotel began a major renovation with the revitalization of the iconic Donovan Bar, which gained rich velvety green tones, and the restaurant Charlie’s, where cheerful foliage patterns create a vibrant atmosphere. In 2019, the lobby was transformed with a new design inspired by British spring, bringing freshness and sophistication to the entrance of the hotel. In 2022, the ground floor renovation was completed, including a new interpretation of the classic British Drawing Room, where traditional afternoon tea has been served for over a century, now with a sophisticated and current look, without losing its English identity. The Brown’s Hotel has 115 rooms and suites, each celebrating the hotel’s illustrious heritage and its world-renowned charm. Among the highlights is the elegant Sir Paul Smith Suite, designed by the stylist himself, showcasing a unique curation of custom and vintage furniture, carefully selected artworks, exclusive collaborations, and sophisticated fabrics from Paul Smith's inaugural decor collection. Meanwhile, the majestic Dover Suite exudes subtle elegance, with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide a privileged view of the iconic Dover Street, flooding the space with natural light. Luxurious fabrics in golden and green tones add depth and texture to the suite's neutral palette, while details such as ornate frames, an imposing marble fireplace, and antique furniture harmonize with contemporary touches and carefully chosen artworks. As a tribute to the hotel’s literary history, the Kipling Suite honors Rudyard Kipling, a frequent guest of Brown's and the author of the famous The Jungle Book, a work that was written inside the hotel itself, perpetuating its connection with great creative minds throughout the centuries.

Charlie’s: A celebration of contemporary British cuisine

Charlie’s is a restaurant that pays homage to the richness of British cuisine with a contemporary twist. Under the direction of Michelin-starred chef Adam Byatt, known for his skill in reinventing traditional dishes, the menu combines high-quality seasonal ingredients, carefully selected.

Traditional dishes are reinvented such as venison en croute and roast beef, served directly from the iconic golden trolley and sliced at the table, along with creations that evolve with the seasons, such as the fresh crab salad from Cornwall and roasted pumpkin with sage in the summer. For Byatt, who follows in the footsteps of his grandfather, who worked at Brown’s, the restaurant is more than a dining destination: it is a celebration of British heritage reinvented for today. The projects of Charlie’s complement the dining experience with its elegant and timeless decor, featuring rich green tones and foliage details that echo the natural sophistication of the space.

The Drawing Room: Afternoon tea, a timeless British tradition

Since the 19th century to the present day, the Drawing Room of Brown’s Hotel has been an icon of London’s essence, a space where history and sophistication meet. Over the years, lords and ladies, politicians and presidents, members of royalty, and Hollywood stars have left their marks in this elegant salon famous for serving one of the most iconic afternoon teas in London. The Drawing Room offers an exceptional curation of fine teas, paired with an exquisite selection of sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and artisanal sweets. With decor that merges tradition and modernity, the Drawing Room has undergone a renovation to reinforce its British essence, maintaining the charm of wood paneling and imposing fireplaces, now complemented by contemporary touches such as the walls created exclusively for Brown’s by renowned British artist Adam Ellis, depicting a hogarthian scene of illustrations representing 19th century London, where the River Thames can be seen running alongside mythological creatures and birds.

Donovan Bar: Sophistication and world-class cocktailing

A place of great sophistication and irreverence, the Donovan Bar is the go-to destination for the most discerning cocktail enthusiasts in Mayfair. Inspired by the legendary photographer Terence Donovan, this elegant bar showcases a collection of his iconic images from the 1960s, blending an intimate atmosphere with refined touches that celebrate the art of photography. The cocktail menu, filled with must-try creations, is crafted by a true master: Salvatore Calabrese, one of the world's most renowned bartenders and former president of the United Kingdom Bartender's Guild. Throughout his career, Calabrese has prepared drinks for movie stars, royalty, and presidents, bringing his expertise and creativity to every glass served at the Donovan Bar.

The Spa at Brown’s: a well-being haven

Offering a holistic approach to well-being, the SPA combines exclusive treatments with high-performance natural products, ensuring a deeply relaxing experience. From therapeutic massages and personalized facial treatments to complete revitalization programs, every detail is designed to restore body and mind.