Fitzrovia, London
The Mandrake Hotel
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What it is
The art-filled, 34-room pride of London’s Fitzrovia neighborhood where each room is more unexpected than the last.
What it isn't
Boring. Yes, that’s a gilt palm tree made of white ostrich feathers in the bathroom.
What we think
Nothing is hotel-as-usual here, and that’s just how the people behind The Mandrake like it—and why it consistently ranks among the best hotels in Europe. Book a black-walled Mandrake rooms for towering ceilings, art-filled alcoves and purple velvet touches, with toiletries by Grown Alchemist. (If it all seems like it might be uncomfortable, it’s not; rooms contain all the finer things one could want, too, including Italian linens and towels, organic Naturalmat mattresses, rainfall showers and plush down comforters seemingly made for curling up in London drizzle with a flute of something bubbly from the minibar.) The chinoiserie-filled Mandrake Suite is another world entirely—one where red lampshades are fringed with beads, the bed is tented a la Bedouian dreams, and the bathroom is stocked with a claw-foot soaking tub.
You're here because
The hotel’s commitment to creativity extends so far that they often have an Artist in Residence on-site, making new work alongside guests in Studio 5. Recently among them? Photographer Iris Brosch (as seen in Vogue) and New York-based Georgian muralist David Paul Kay.
The Moment
You’re something of a spirits connoisseur, and it’s not often that a bar wows you. But tonight, in Waeska, where some sort of taxidermied goat-turned-peacock hangs above the glowing whiskey bottles, you have to take a breath. 18 year old Glendronach Highlands whiskey? An elderflower and tomato water sage cocktail with Gem & Bold Damiana Mezcal? You’d better order a round of bread and settle in. This is going to be a long night.
Restaurants & Bars
Serge et le Phoque - the first overseas venture of the critically acclaimed, Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurant. Modern French techniques and the finest ingredients.
The Waeska bar — trendy cocktails in a lavish setting
Jurema — designed by world renowned landscape architects Bureau Bas Smets, the Jurema bar is on the first-floor terrace. Surrounded by a lush, evergreen sanctuary, it's perfect for feel-good summer-time cocktails.
Serge — wines and champagnes from smaller producers who specialise in natural methodology
Location
In London’s tony Fitzrovia district, a walkable distance from Piccadilly and Sondheim theatres and, in the other direction both figuratively and literally, Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens.