1930s New York? Just turn right at Hyde Park
A TIME-MACHINE to take you back to New York in the 1930s? Imagine stepping into a world of Damon Runyon, hard- bitten private detectives and fun-loving chorus girls. They’re still trying to in vent time-travel but, amazingly, you can enjoy a gorgeous slice of pre-war Manhattan just a stone’s throw from London’s Hyde Park and Oxford Street.
At first glance The Beaumont looks more science fiction than film noir. The left side of the building’s facade is dominated by a robot-like Antony Gormley sculpture which actually contains the hotel’s principal suite.
Once inside, however, you are overwhelmed by what appears to be an Art Deco masterpiece. Except that until very recently the building housed a car park and the classic style is entirely the work of modern hands and clever minds ( principally Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, the geniuses behind The Wolseley).
The ‘back story’ talks of a Jimmy Beaumont, who apparently fled Prohibitionera Manhattan to open a hotel in London. Well, that’s what it feels like. The only thing missing from the Colony Grill Room is an Algonquin round table with Dorothy Parker swapping ‘ Vicious Circle’ one- liners with Alexander Woollcott. For my money this is the finest place to dine in the whole of London.
The delight continues in the exquisitely appointed bedrooms. Gazing out of the window, I would not have been surprised to see Al Capone turn up. The place: In Mayfair, close to Hyde Park and the beating heart of London.
The rooms: Stylish, comfortable and surprisingly quiet considering that department st ore Selfridge’s is j ust around the corner.
The food: I’m trying hard to think of somewhere better than the Colony Grill Room (cajun-spiced sword fish £19.50, shepherd’s pie £20), and nothing comes to mind.