“Mayfair. 6.30. I’ll text you a more accurate location shortly”, read the message I received from the lovely Russell of The Scotch last night. I’m always up for a bit of mystery, but in this freeeezing weather, I was not going to be hanging around in the cold waiting for directions so I called him. “Meet me outside Maze” he said. “The restaurant? Really…?” I was a little surprised I must say as Russell only drinks in either proper boozers or the coolest places in London. Maze seemed a little conventional. But I complied as I trust him implicitly when it comes to a fun night out.
We met outside and he led me round the corner. “It’s a surprise” he said. This pleased me. As regular readers of this site know, one of my favourite things about London is those sneaky little places in dark corners that serve amazing cocktails and that you’d never find unless someone took you there. It turns out, The Luggage Room is no different.
You can get to it through two entrances, the first is as their website puts it “On The Corner, Grosvenor Square”, the other is through the Marriot Hotel, lit up in full Christmas glory. We chose through the hotel, because we walked straight past the actual entrance without seeing it. This bar is so brand new that even the hotel staff couldn’t find it when we asked them!
When we eventually found it, we sat down at the gorgeous marble bar and ordered some drinks. I settled for a classic gin martini, and Russell went for one of the house cocktails. Both were excellent and beautifully presented. This place feels very slick and old school. The bar staff wear braces and bow ties, tinkly 1920’s music plays quietly in the background, and the hostesses wander around in flapper dresses.
[slickr-flickr tag=”Luggage Room”]
According to Bar Manager, Abdulai, The Luggage Room takes its inspiration from the decadent era of the Bentley Boys when they used to rule London in the 1920s. The décor is based on luggage (obviously), with the walls replicating the insides of vintage suitcases, and each table is engraved with the initials of a different Bentley Boy.
I loved the vibe the vibe of this place and will definitely be returning soon (dangerously for me, this place is 5 minutes from my office!). The staff were friendly and attentive, but the attention to detail is very noticeable and what makes it feel special. I would say this is the perfect place to meet for a drink before heading out to dinner, or equally, for a cheeky nightcap after a good date when you don’t want the evening to end just yet. Get down and try it for yourself before the whole of London discovers this place.
If you can find it that is….
Photo Credits: Main Photo by Steven Ryan, taken from the Luggage Room’s website. Images in Gallery taken by Helena Rea, on iPhone 4S.
