Travel & Leisure

A highly acclaimed brunch

Ms Darroze’s brunch is so dear to the Londoners who crave for her eggs Benedict, her goose liver pâté hamburger or tender lamb Parmentier, you have to make reservations way ahead! Her hamburger is part of the main menu, as well as the Morteau sausage hot-dog, which is becoming a star in itself! People love that kind of appetizers buffets with a large variety of salads, terrines, Basque cooked meats, French cheese, Scottish salmon, plus the dessert buffets including the traditional cheese-cake as well as home-made waffles cooked in front of you by a young chef, giving the lobby a delicious waft you can’t resist on Saturday mornings… By exploding British tradition with her Landes cuisine, the two-starred chef from South Western France has written her own gastronomic menu: « Hélène Darroze at The Connaught », not forgetting « L’Espelette », a chic and cool bistro, where everybody who is somebody in London flocks to have lunch, dinner, brunch or high brunch.

A very up-to-date countryside manor

Right in the heart of Mayfair, one of the most sought-for place in London, The Connaught had long been for aristocrats only. But after a few months’ renovation, the only two things left are the oldest lift in the world and a majestic wooden staircase leading to the 123 rooms. Next door to the hotel is Hélène Darroze’s favourite butcher’s for tender and juicy meat: Carlos Place, the oldest London butcher’s house, still operated by R. Allen and Co. Once in the hotel, after going through the luxurious revolving door, you find yourself in a smart and casual comfort, and can proceed to the India Mahdavi’ designed restaurant. With an up-to-date technology backing its traditional look, the hotel blends both present and past times! Spacious rooms, impeccable service, cosy but trended bars patronized by the likes of Johnny Hallyday, Lionel Richie, Kate Moss among others, where you can spend the night figuring out the cocktails (specialty of the Connaught Bar remodelled by interior designor David Collins) make your stay a wonderful experience. The recent addition of a spa and a superb dark-designed pool draw an even more sophisticated and faithful clientele.The Connaught is the very up-to-date countryside manor right in the heart London, a place not to miss!