The CONCIERGE
Iain Haigh is head concierge at Dukes London, a sophisticated luxury hotel nestled in the heart of historic St James’s, Mayfair, just five minutes’ walk from Buckingham Palace
What’s the most unusual request you’ve had from a guest? Early one morning, I received an urgent call from a guest who had checked out and was at the airport. He asked me to bring him a rather unique piece of lost property as soon as possible. He had left his 18-year-old son sleeping in the other room. After plenty of coffee and a race through London, he made the flight! Your favourite local restaurant? Clos Maggiore in Covent Garden is my personal favourite. It has a very romantic setting, while remaining informal and offering excellent personalised service, modern French dishes and a wine list to please the connoisseur.
Favourite celebrity guest? During my career, I have been privileged to host many high profile guests and members of the Royal Family, but one occasion stands out in my mind. I was lucky enough to meet Catherine Zeta Jones CBE and her husband, Michael
Douglas. We had a pleasant chat in our Cognac and Cigar Garden one evening after they had escaped the press and fans.
What’s your must-see sight? London is an ever-changing, wonderful city. It is important to constantly keep up to date with everything from new exhibitions, festivals and theatre productions to the openings of amazing new restaurants. I would highly recommend 42nd Street as my favourite production at this time and the Wallace Collection, as it is a rather memorable, one-of-a-kind attraction.
What the best lifehack/advice you have ever been given? ‘Your word is the most important thing you have.’ If you say that you will do something for someone, do it. No matter how hard it is. Give your all.
During my career, I have been privileged to host many high-profile guests