Hotel of the week

The Mayfair Townhouse, Half Moon Street, London

WHERE AND WHY: A stone’s throw from the glamour of Mayfair and the year-round beauty of Green Park sits The Mayfair Townhouse. From the minute you walk through the doors, past the resident life-size stuffed peacock, Alfie, covered in 25,000 Swarovski crystals, The Mayfair Townhouse hotel cocoons you in its quirky mix of bohemian luxury.

The property was born out of a row of 15 Georgian homes on Half Moon Street – the inspiration for Algernon Moncrieff’s bachelor pad in Oscar Wilde’s most famous play, The Importance of Being Earnest.

The rooms are simple yet elegant with gorgeous Noble Isle toiletries in the sleek bathrooms (Rhubarb Rhubarb is my new absolute favourite scent in the shower).

A complimentary minibar, flatscreen TV, huge beds and atmospheric lighting come as standard, as does a copy of The Importance of Being Earnest for bedtime reading.

Limited edition surreal images by Miss Aniela add pops of colour to the dark walls.

ON THE MENU:

The Dandy Bar feels like a private club or gentlemen’s bar where you can enjoy a cocktail (or a beer) in a cosy atmosphere or take advantage of the all-day menu with none of the rigidity of a restaurant.

The fare includes light bites and small plates (from £8), towering burgers (from £16), tasty home-style main dishes (from £15) and antipasto (from £16). Leave room for a delicious dessert such as the Sticky Mandarin Pudding (from £7).

Breakfast is served in the downstairs Club Room featuring a huge range of options such as baked eggs and chorizo, a very nice house granola and an array of fresh pastries. Perfect for soaking up last night’s cocktails.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Gary, one of the hotel’s concierges, was on hand with endless local knowledge. You’re minutes away from some of the most expensive property on the Monopoly board with masses of fine dining, fabulous shopping, art galleries and museums. We stayed close and explored the hidden gem that is Shepherd Market, a small square originally developed way back in 1735-46.

With its boutique shops, restaurants and beautiful Victorian pubs, this atmospheric delight is just a two-minute walk away. We enjoyed a couple of cheeky afternoon pints in Ye Grapes and I’m already planning my return.

WAKE-UP CALL: Rooms start at £225 a night. themayfairtownhouse.com