This beautiful Regency townhouse in Marylebone has 38 individually designed bedrooms, many of which look on to the leafy private garden square which was originally the site of Thomas Lord’s first cricket ground. www.firmdalehotels.com
Back in 1985 Tim and Kit Kemp opened their first property, the Dorset Square Hotel and in doing so introduced a new breed of luxury to the London hotel market. This marked the birth of Firmdale Hotels. It was sold in 2002 but the Kemps reacquired the hotel and reopened it in 2012, having embarked upon an extensive refurbishment. Stamping it with Kit’s signature style, the interiors feature bold colours and textures, bespoke and one-off pieces as well as original art collected from around the globe.
All bedrooms, bathrooms and public areas have been completely refurbished. Due to its location, there is a ‘cricket’ theme running throughout. From artwork and memorabilia to a stunning collection of bats and the tiny cricket balls used as closet handles in the bedrooms, there are fun and witty references everywhere.
There is a sumptuous guest drawing room with a fireplace and The Potting Shed restaurant and bar which is open all day. The menu is inspired by the best of British cooking and some Mediterranean classics, using seasonal and locally sourced produce. A carefully selected wine list complements the menu. Along one entire wall is an art installation by Martha Freud which has 198 small lights sat in ceramic cups that fade on and off, spelling out famous cricket sayings. The bar is dominated by two Peter Rocklin paintings that also draw inspiration from the hotel’s cricket history.
The Dorset Square Hotel is within easy reach of London’s theatre-land and financial district and surrounded by fashionable shops, cafés, restaurants and world-class galleries.
