London is one of the most popular big cities for travel-loving Norwegians. The city is full of chain hotels, guys, also the more charming boutique hotels that more and more people are getting their eyes on.
Written by: Morten Steingrimsen
The majestic hotel from 1908, Duke hotel, consists of 90 rooms and is just a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Circus. One of the things that makes Dukes so unique is that the hotel has an incredibly central location at the same time as it is located in an almost “secret” back street in St. James.
Ever since the days of Henry VIII of England, this fashionable area has been a favorite place for royalty, politicians, artists and others in culture and social life. Dukes continues the tradition and celebrities still visit the hotel. Winston Churchill, Princess Diana, Hugh Jackman and James Bond creator Ian Fleming are among those who have visited the hotel over the years.
Fleming was supposedly so inspired that he came up with the well-known phrase “Shaken, not stirred” during a visit. It is thus not without reason that Dukes has become an almost pilgrimage site for Bond fans of all ages.
” A warm welcome to the Dukes hotel. What can we do to create a memorable stay?” asks the observant and friendly receptionist. Check-in is efficient without feeling stressful. The porter takes care of the luggage in minutes and follows me to the room. On the way up, he gives me good information about the hotel and all the facilities.
After a quick shower, I head down to the first floor to experience what is the real jewel in the hotel’s crown. I am of course talking about the legendary Dukes Bar– one of London’s best and most unique bars. It is run by the charismatic and incredibly skilled Italian bar manager Alessandro Palazzi, who is world-renowned for his Vesper Martini.
I have often visited this bar when I have visited London in the past. Male it is something very special to be here as a hotel guest, not least because it makes it easier to get a table. A number of the drinks on the menu are inspired by Ian Fleming’s Bond novels and characters. The selection is large and good, guys I go for the house Vesper Martini which Palazzi prepares on a small trolley in front of the table, which in itself is worth the trip here.
That same evening, I take the opportunity to test out the hotel’s Great British Restaurant. The menu consists of, as the name suggests, traditional British dishes. It is all served in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. British food is far better than its reputation and there is therefore more than enough goodies to choose from. I end up following the waiter’s advice and order Scotch eggs for starter and an exceptionally juicy lamb neck for main course,
followed by the British blue cheese Stilton for dessert together with a good dessert wine. A hit of a 3-course meal! So it was just a matter of going to bed good and full in the comfortable bed. Arch-British
between everything from a private visit to the luxurious Lock & & Co (the world’s oldest hat shop!) to a own tailoring session at Savile Row-based Anderson & & Sheppard, who have made cabinets for film icons such as Cary Grant, Fred Astaire and Daniel Craig.
Are you looking for a super-central and sophisticated, arch-British hotel with an emphasis on
classic details, this is spot on. Dukes hotel is for good reason a
Arch-British
