Stay in style: The Biltmore Mayfair opens new restaurant

As addresses in the capital go, you'd be hard pushed to find one more upscale than 44 Grosvenor Square. Edged by former embassies and stately Georgian houses, it is now home to The Biltmore Mayfair, which first opened its doors in late 2019 after a heavy-duty refurbishment from its previous iteration, the Millennium Hotel London Mayfair. 

Part of the LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio, The Biltmore houses some 250 rooms and 57 suites - hospitality, like everything else the building offers, comes on a grand scale. 

Upon arrival in the we are shown to our lodgings in the rather splendid Biltmore Grosvenor Square View Suite, showing views of its namesake square from generous sash windows. Velveteen furnishings, distressed mirrors and gilt accents create the kind of classically plush Englishness guests come to expect of Mayfair, complete with the more modern touches of Ruark speakers and a Samsumg smart TV. Penhaligon’s goodies await in the spacious marbled bathroom, alongside a walk-in rain shower and a roomy standalone tub. The suite is also - we learn to some surprise, considering the stylish decor - dog friendly. 

When nighttime draws in, we head downstairs to be fed and watered. After sampling punchy mezcal negronis at The Pine Bar by way of an aperitivo, we follow the buzz outside, to the newly opened Cafe Biltmore. Though May evenings  are still somewhat cool, the terrace is packed out with socially-starved Londoners, all dressed up and visibly gleeful to be to dining together again post-lockdown. 

While Cafe Biltmore's dinner sitting is understandably hectic, it is a pleasure to revisit it again for breakfast the next morning. Quieter, calmer and more sedate, the al fresco space is a most agreeable spot to start the day in - especially with a well-crafted flat white with a side of scrambled eggs and salmon. 

Rates at The Biltmore Mayfair start from £309 on a B&B basis, lxrhotels3.hilton.com

Rates at The Biltmore Mayfair start from £309 on a B&B basis, lxrhotels3.hilton.com