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Travel
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Ian Murray hopes to rub shoulders with the stars at the luxurious and welcoming Pelham Hotel in London
Alas for Mrs M, Hugh Grant did not choose to drop in at Kemps while we were enjoying dinner.
He was, we were informed, likely to pop in on occasion, particularly for lunch, what with his agent’s office being just across the road in south Kensington. Yes, Liz Hurley had been a regular too when they were still an item, but she hadn’t popped in of late.
Ah well, you can’t have everything. It seems we would just have to settle for the wonderful surroundings and food of Kemps itself. I wasn’t sure whether our fellow diners were aware of the popularity of their chosen restaurant tucked on the lower floor of the Pelham Hotel, but judging by overheard snippets of conversation they were just as impressed with the occasion even without the arrival of the crème of Britain’s Hollywood pack.
Our stay at the Pelham was something of a busman’s holiday. The visit to London was to enjoy – or endure – the British Science Museum just a two minute walk from the hotel itself. We had decided that if we were to be marched around the endless displays of the greatest scientific achievements of the age by two excited children then at least we would be certain to have a safe haven to return to.
The Pelham seemed an ideal solution. Just a short tube ride from Waterloo Station after being deposited there by our SWT train service direct from Southampton Parkway in a little over an hour. The hotel is opposite South Kensington tube station itself.
Part of the Firmdale Hotel group, the Pelham is an oasis of calm and luxury amid the hustle and bustle of South Kensington. Within walking distance of Harrods, Harvey Nichols and the rest that Knightsbridge had to offer, it is a favourite for the knowledgeable and discerning shopper as well as the tourist who doesn’t wish to compromise on style and comfort.
For us comfort meant the treat of a tremendous double suite – The King Suite – providing the girls with their own bedroom and bathroom. Bliss!
A TV in both bedrooms – both with video recorders – another TV in the lounge with DVD. How could the little darlings fail to be entertained.
But it was the décor that was truly overwhelming. A fantastic blend of English country home style with touches of modernity that brought the rooms into the new century.
But then the Firmdale Group owned by Tim and Kit Kemp has made its name from blending superfluous service with incredible style.
“Hotels should be living things not stuffy institutions” maintain the Kemps, who own a home in the New Forest.
Kit Kemp has designed the interiors of each property in her unique personal style that has evolved over the years from grand country house to a fresh Modern English style. At the Pelham the result is a mixture of understated elegance blended with welcoming warmth and touches of sheer inspiration.
It could be overwhelming. It could be daunting, as so many so-called boutique hotels are in the capital. But the Pelham manages to put the traveller at ease yet cocoon them in elegance and more than a touch of luxury.
Art has always played a major part of the decoration of the Kemps’ hotels. At the Pelham the restaurant’s walls are decorated with original work by fashion designers Harriet Anstruther, Tomasz Starzeski, Lulu Guiness and Wayne Hemmingway.
The remainder of the hotel was styled by Kit with each room having its own colour scheme varying from bold colours to calming neutrals. The bathrooms are the passion of Tim and are beautifully designed in granite and mahogany each with a large tub.
Although there are 51 bedrooms and suites, the hotel has been designed to create the feel of a luxury townhouse. The lobby is small but intimate, but as with other Firmdale Hotels, as much thought has gone into making the public rooms as welcoming as the private bedrooms.
The Pelham has two sumptuous wood panelled drawing rooms for guests to relax, unwind and entertain. Each has a burning fireplace and has been furnished with original oil paintings, antiques and fresh flowers. A fully stocked honour bar is available in the Library for the use of residents.
The Drawing Room is lined in pine, the Library in mahogany. Marvellous places to sit and enjoy the remains of the day after a hard afternoon meandering around the back streets of Kensington with their fabulous little stores.
A haven from the bustle of London? Well yes. Eventually. After all, who wants to go to visit London without a bit of bustle!
Factfile
For more details of the Pelham Hotel or any of the Firmdale Hotel group visit www.firmdale.com.
Pelham Hotel: 15 Cromwell Place London SW7 2LA Tel: 020 7589 8288. Fax: +44 20 7584 8444.
Getting there: The Pelham Hotel is directly opposite South Kensington tube station, Just a short underground ride from Waterloo Station which is accessed by SWT services from the Southampton area. A taxi ride from Waterloo takes no more than ten minutes and costs around £8.
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For any queries regarding Hampshire Society January, please contact Phil Burner.
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