Blakes Hotel - the world’s original boutique hotel, created by internationally-renowned designer Anouska Hempel, has unveiled 47 beautifully refurbished rooms, a brand new gymnasium and discreet, Japanese garden-inspired courtyard, following an extensive, eight month refurbishment programme.
Priding itself on its privacy, unrivalled design and unobtrusive service, Blakes has for many years become a 'home from home' to royalty and the brightest stars from the worlds of music, fashion art and film. Opened in 1978, Blakes has maintained its reputation as the perfect retreat from the capital’s hustle and bustle.
Discreetly tucked away behind its black, Victorian façade in the heart of residential South Kensington, Blakes exudes a bohemian yet decadent ambience. Colour schemes are vibrant, daring and dramatic whilst an abundance of accessories, furniture and artefacts personally collected by Hempel on her travels are carefully scattered throughout, adding to Blakes’ unique east meets west style.
The subtle refurbishment of the rooms has been personally overseen by Hempel (now Lady Weinberg) and each features sumptuous furnishings and state-of-the-art technology including Bang & Olufsen iPod docks and televisions. Signature suites include The Corfu Suite (pictured) - an immaculate, all-white French Provencal suite with an abundance of gossamer nets and mother of pearl furniture - and Suite 007 – Blakes largest suite featuring original French Art Noveau doors, hand painted white floors and a large Victorian drawing room complete with fireplace and bookcases.
One of the most significant developments for Blakes, again designed by Hempel herself, is ‘The Courtyard’, a stunning green oasis adorned by a myriad of bay trees that draws inspiration from a traditional Japanese garden. Serving breakfast, lunch, refreshing afternoon teas and early evening cocktails to both residents and non-residents, the courtyard is a true hidden gem.
A further element to the refurbishment programme is the addition of a gym fitted with the latest in Keiser Training equipment, which is exclusively reserved for the use of hotel guests.
Similarly beautifully refurbished are the atmospheric and romantic Blakes Bar and Restaurant, long acknowledged to be one of the most seductive and chic spaces in London. Designed in the classic style of Anouska Hempel, a heady mix of Eastern and Oriental motifs, the restaurant’s menu echoes its environment. Dishes such as hand-dived scallops with ginger and basil, seared Ahi tuna with a miso mustard dressing and green tea noodles and red curry with gingko nuts and lime risottini feature alongside classic modern European dishes, appealing to all tastes. This elegant style is carried through to the bar, serving a selection of exotic cocktails, and to the adjacent Chinese Room – a private dining room space ideal for intimate dinners and cocktail parties.
Very much a self-contained and romantic hideaway, Blakes is a popular choice for intimate weddings and honeymoons. Three of the suites are fully licensed for ceremonies, with Suite 007 catering for up to 40 guests. Complimenting its long-standing reputation as ‘The Couture Hotel’, Blakes is also now a member of the exclusive Design Hotels portfolio.