Michael Edwards lives like a Victorian London gentleman at 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel
In 1870, when 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel was built, London was the capital of the world. The white wedding cake of a house recalling classical grandeur: power dressing with Doric columns and elegant balconies.
William Alexander, a successful lawyer, was the house’s first owner. A quintessential Victorian, travelling the world, with his thirst for adventure and knowledge. Furnishing his five-storey house with the treasures of his travels. This Hilton Curio Hotel celebrates that heritage with globes and a display of map-reading compasses and callipers in reception.
When seven houses were combined in 1908, 100 Queen’s Gate became part of a hotel. Fully committing to celebrating the traditions of the past, Hilton Curio has both restored and developed 100 Queen’s Gate. History coalesces with modern comforts, particularly deliciously cool air conditioning in the height of summer. As the hotel’s credo says, this is “Where curiosity meets luxury
If London was the capital of the world, then Kensington was its hippocampus, the intellectual seat of learning. A short stroll from 100 Queen’s Gate, the Victoria and Albert Museum opened in 1852, the Science Museum in 1857, and the Natural History Museum in 1881. To complete the arty collection, Queen Victoria decreed in 1882 that the Royal School of Music should be established. It too has its own museum.
This concentration of museums, added to Harrod’s nearby retail therapy, plus strolling through Hyde Park, draws in guests from afar to 100 Queen’s Gate.
Hilton Curio’s refurbishment created space for long-stay guests. As well as over 200 rooms, there are luxurious duplex suites, named after an eclectic mix of the best of British: Dame Agatha Christie, Henry James, AA Milne, Sir Alfred Hitchcock etc. Our Sir Alexander Fleming suite has a blue plaque by the door, a display explaining the significance of a scientist voted the third most important Scot ever, and some Fleming biographies on the bookshelf.
Duplex suites have all the Victorian features you would expect: a barometer, brass coat hook, Dickens on the bookshelves, fireplace, gilded mirror, and tan banquette. Yet, there are sleek contemporary lines to the standard lamp and there is a refrigerated minibar hidden away amongst the dark wood. Appropriately for a proper English cuppa, there is a traditional glass bottle of milk.
This downstairs lounge converts into a bedroom for two whilst there is a master bedroom, with a six-foot-wide bed, upstairs. Both upstairs and downstairs rooms have large flatscreen televisions, allowing for family viewing divisions. There are also interconnecting rooms too, for larger families.
Remember that as 100 Queen’s Gate was completed the Cutty Sark was racing the new season’s crop of tea to British teapots. Honouring the great British tradition of afternoon tea, Botanica is a light conservatory-themed restaurant overhung with cherry blossom. Again, very Victorian.
Recently, guests have been given the opportunity to smell the aroma of 10 different Newby teas, including the light floral notes of a Botanica blend made from Iranian rosebuds, before selecting their tea. “We’re planning to extend the tea theme to our cocktail menu too,” promises Jitesh, Hotel Manager.
No mere cocktail barman nor mixologist for ESQ. The hotel’s bar and small plates restaurant has a Liquid Chef. Cocktail-making is taken so seriously that a library of cocktail-themed books, presented as a display of glasses, measures, shakers and stirrers is virtually a shrine to the art. Following in William Alexander’s footsteps there are oriental themes to the cocktail menu, epitomised by The Dragon featuring Pink Dragon tequila, lychee liqueur, egg white, agave syrup and lime juice.
There are oriental flavours on the food menu too, all remembered by Grigor, as he takes your order. He may one day rebrand himself as World Memory Champion. For now, he merely has to remember orders for the likes of prawn tempura, salmon tataki, chicken karaage bao buns, and green gyoza dumplings.
Another option for dinner is Cento which delivers sun-drenched Italian flavours to Kensington. An all-Italian team bring the robust tastes of the south to the table as well as the lighter cuisine of northern Italy. Surprisingly, aubergine, burrata, chicken Milanese, grilled vegetables, lobster ravioli and drizzles of truffle oil are not memories of William Alexander’s travels. “We asked our guests what they wanted to eat and there was most demand for Italian,” says Jitesh.
But what would William Alexander make of today’s 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel? No doubt he would be impressed by the pristine white exterior and immaculate topiary. Flattered by the willing smiles of very helpful staff. Above all he would be delighted by a hotel that celebrates his adventures and the unquenchable Victorian spirit for exploration.
Tell Me More About 100 Queen’s Gate Hotel, London
100 Queen’s Gate Hotel Kensington, London SW7 5AG
E: info@100queensgate.com
T: +44 (0) 20 7373 7878
