What’s On: Mandarin Oriental Takes Over Mayfair
Arriving in Hanover Square, the five-star hotel is now open.
Between the fashion houses of Bond Street and the boutiques of Savile Row, Mandarin Oriental has opened its second London luxury hotel. A contemporary sanctuary that brings together the worlds of fashion, art and media, the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair features 50 guest rooms, including its signature Mayfair suite, and 77 private residences with amenity highlights such as in-residence dining, residents’ lounge and an invitation to join the hotel’s global Residences Elite programme.
Designed by internationally renowned architect firm RHSP, the building brings a Georgian flair to one of Mayfair’s oldest squares, inspired by the era’s floor-to-ceiling windows and Juliet balconies. It also sets the stage for the area’s unparalleled reputation for craft. The hotel’s 'Meet the Mayfair Makers' series offers guests exclusive access to some of Savile Row’s prestigious designers and craftsmen, such as a behind-the-scenes tour of jewellery designer Jessica McCormack’s 19th-century townhouse.
‘The hotel’s 'Meet the Mayfair Makers' series offers guests exclusive access to some of Savile Row’s prestigious designers and craftsmen’
‘We are incredibly excited to open a Mandarin Oriental hotel in the heart of such an iconic location,’ says Susanne Hatje, who joins as general manager direct from the iconic Mandarin Oriental, New York. ‘Mayfair has such a rich history and pedigree within luxury, fashion and art and is continually evolving. This is a wonderful parallel for our new property, which will introduce delightful touches for which Mandarin Oriental is loved, but in a more intimate and informal setting.’
The shining jewel in the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair crown, however, is award-winning Michelin-starred chef Akira Back’s first namesake restaurant in the UK – Akira Back. Born in Seoul, Back spent seven years on the pro-snowboarding circuit before pursuing a culinary career and infuses each dish with an essence of his life story. A contemporary take on Japanese and Korean food with an American twist, Akira Back’s menu offers fusion delights such as tuna pizza with tuna sashimi and micro shiso. This summer will also see the launch of ABar Rooftop, the must-visit destination for craft beers, fine wines and innovative cocktails set against a panoramic backdrop of the city skyline.
While upstairs serves an expertly made gin and tonic, downstairs sees a tonic of a different kind. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair provides state-of-the-art facilities and bespoke scientifically led spa treatments to help achieve a meditative state. Partnering with leading wellness brands such as Seed to Skin Tuscany, OTO and Swiss Perfection (all of which celebrate the power of natural ingredients and science-led formulas), the Spa combines traditional therapies with innovative treatments for a serene utopia from fast-paced London life.