Inside Flemings Mayfair, One of Mayfair’s Oldest Hotels

Opened in 1851 to cater to visitors of the Great Exhibition, Flemings Mayfair is one of London’s oldest surviving hotels, quietly tucked away on literary Half Moon Street, which was once home to Henry James and the fictional address of Oscar Wilde’s Algernon. But it’s a modern powerhouse too. In more recent history it has been host to a roll-call of modern A‑listers, their portraits shot on site by celebrity photographer Dr Andy Gotts MBE – Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Rita Ora and Hugh Grant line the walls – while guests can also enjoy an Oscar Wilde-inspired townhouse suite and a 1930s-style Manetta’s Bar. Agatha Christie also echoes through the walls through her novel At Bertram’s Hotel, whose fictional hotel is widely believed to be modelled in part on Flemings.

In terms of locations, it’s a zinger, discreetly tucked between Green Park and the bustle of Piccadilly, Half Moon Street is one of London’s best-connected but quietest streets. Independently owned for more than 40 years, the hotel retains a rare sense of intimacy, where service is refined but personal. Behind its Georgian facade, Flemings comprises thirteen interconnected townhouses dating back to 1734. Decor is a confident blend of Georgian charm and art deco glamour; peacock tones, polished brass and rich fabrics bring vibrancy to the building’s heritage bones. Across 129 rooms and suites, you’ll find individually-curated art collections and marble bathrooms, each with the feel of a private residence. Some suites feature landscaped terraces, ideal for morning coffee alfresco or a glass of Champagne in your own city oasis. The in-room gin bar is an unmissable feature for mixing your own Negroni for a pre-dinner tipple. 

The Sommelier Table at Ormer Mayfair

Flemings’ crown jewel is without doubt its culinary star, Ormer Mayfair, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Executive Chef Sofian Msetfi. Msetfi draws on his Moroccan and Irish heritage to craft tasting menus that are as technically precise as they are tempting. Expect dishes that tell a story, from the aromatic semolina-soda sourdough with honey butter to exquisitely plated courses built around sustainably sourced British produce. His Essex garden and beekeeping project further anchor his cooking in nature and authenticity. Don’t miss sommelier Piotr Sikorski’s pitch-perfect wine pairings and friendly conversation. 

C&TH Key Notes

– Drink to order: make your own in your in-room gin bar

– The dish to ask for: why choose your own when you have one of the best tasting menus in London at your fingertips? 

– Don’t miss: the wine knowledge of Piotr Sikorski

THE LAST WORD 

Family-owned for more than 40 years, Flemings is a rare independent gem in the city, steeped in artistic history and with a healthy dose of modern flair. 

BOOK 

Room rates from £395 | flemings-mayfair.co.uk