Sunday Night: Checking into 45 Park Lane, dinner at CUT, & one Angry Lobster
It’s quite an extravagant way to spend a Sunday evening in your own home town, but what better way to start another working week than to wake up to views of Hyde Park, with breakfast at CUT before you make a start on the week. Well, this evening, I’m settled in back at home just a few miles down the road, and I’ve had the most wonderful 24 hours with thanks to the Dorchester Collection.
45 Park Lane is just a moments walk away from it’s older brother The Dorchester, but it’s 45 Park Lane with it’s contemporary Thierry Despont interior thats had me wanting to stay since its opening in 2011. It’s one of those buildings in London that us Londoners fly past driving down Park Lane but never go inside. Well change your mind, go, if not to CUT, then at least to the gorgeous little bar on the first floor. It really is the most beautiful little bar. This is a discreet hotel, designed as a sort of private residence for those staying. It’s not too busy, and because the bar is tucked away on the first floor you can make your way to your room via the lifts with total discretion. With only 45 rooms and suites, you never feel forgotten, and all the staff seem to know exactly who you are.
As you check in you are introduced to your host, I met George and he gave be a brief tour of the hotel to get my bearings. I was looking forward to my evening reservation at CUT, but checked in early afternoon to make the most of the day and to enjoy the library (below) stocked with so many art books I could have stayed for a week.
“The hotel offers a rich and varied art programme, including personal exhibition tours by artists themselves, the opportunity to take painting lessons with artists and special access to their personal studios. While the artwork in the restaurant, guest rooms and corridors is permanent, the hotel also holds a series of intimate and exclusive temporary exhibitions and displays.”
Roy Akerman CBE was enlisted to select the artwork for the hotel. Featuring the work of living British artists, it’s Damian Hirst’s ‘Diamond Dust Psalms’ adorning the walls in the restaurant that really stand out the most for me. Glistening in the night light they are reason enough to visit CUT. Works by Sir Peter Blake, Christian Furr, Brendan Neiland and Joe Tilson are all featured in the rooms and suites of the hotel. If you can pick up a copy of the book ‘Art at 45 Park Lane’ it’s really interesting to learn a little more about each piece.
After a quick walk through the bar, George showed me up to my beautiful suite on the 5th floor over looking Hyde Park. As I mentioned, Thierry Despont is the man responsible for the design, and although quite masculine, every detail has been considered. Not a plug or switch in sight, everything works remotely, the lights, switches, blinds and AV.
The entrance leads into a large park view bedroom, with beautiful cabinetry housing the bar and usual dressing room kit, with a king-size bed, bespoke furniture and hi-tech amenities including a state of the art Bang & Olufsen television. Perfect as all I was ready to do was jump into bed and watch an afternoon movie with a cup of tea and as it was Oscars night, our resident chef treated us all to one of his iconic Oscar chocolates, that lasted about 5 minutes in front of me…
The Penthouse
Time for drinks and dinner. With my +1 by my side and a quick glass of bubbles at the bar we headed down to CUT. Now how’s this for perfect timing. It’s Oscars night and whilst Mr Puck was in LA catering for all the stars, we were lucky enough to enjoy the same menu here in London. So here it is…
Smoked Salmon Oscars, Dill Créme Fraiche & Caviar (£24)
Chinois Chicken Salad, Crispy Wontons, Chinese Mustard Dressing (£21)
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Chicken Pot Pie, Black Truffles (£38)
Shanghai “Angry” Lobster, Spicy Szechuan Chillies, Fried garlic, Cilantro (£48)
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Chocolate Soufflé, Toasted Hazelnut Ice Cream, Chocolate Oscar (£11)
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CUT at 45 Park Lane mirrors the award-winning original CUT in Beverly Hills. From prime dry and wet aged beef to salads lobster, and fish. Luxury is an understatement. This is ultimate decadence, with a wine list to match. Our sommelier decadently paired each dish to a glass of wine, the ultimate Sunday evening experience. With room for 70 covers, no table felt overlooked, and we were in a dreamy little bubble of happiness.
Although we had chosen our menu we couldn’t resist a quick show and tell of the steaks on offer that evening…
Hello biggest chocolate soufflé I’ve ever had (and couldn’t finish FYI) and with that it was bed time.
With the most wonderful nights sleep after the longest soak in the hugest bath I was ready to start my working week.
Completely unable to stay up and watch the Oscars through the night, a quick coffee and catch up with the papers in bed was all I needed before I attempted the ‘Exercise Matt’ in room fitness workout that fitness guru Matt Roberts has created for us to do in our rooms using the yoga mats supplied in our wardrobes. With all efforts to go for a run in the park failed, it was about all I could manage after our monster dinner.
Breakfast at CUT. Think of anything you like, no request seemed too much trouble. If you’re looking for a hipster hotel, 45 it is not, if you want to people watch, go to The Dorchester. 45 Park Lane is a business hotel. With plenty of men breakfasting together early am, and the bar busy with late night guests this is the perfect location if you’re in town for business or a quiet weekend and want to be based in the heart of London. The interior is masculine, but immaculately kept, so often hotels can ware & tear easily, 45 is still looking shiny new. Everyone go to CUT, breakfast, lunch or dinner, just go.
With all thanks to the most wonderful staff at 45 Park Lane & The Dorchester Collection for my stay
Images copyright LWSY & 45 Park Lane
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