“…not that I intend to die, but when I do, I don’t want to go to heaven, I want to go to Claridge’s.” Some wise words from American acting legend Spencer Tracy. It’s a fabled institution that dates back to the 19th century, situated in the heart of Mayfair. Audrey Hepburn, Carry Grant, and Katherine Hepburn all figure amongst its illustrious guests. In fact, in 1951, the latter insisted on wearing pants in public, out of line with the mores of the time. When she was consequently banned from entering the posh London hotel, she simply got in through the employee entrance!
Even the royal family appears on the hotel’s guest list; the Windsors are such regulars that Claridge’s is also called the second Buckingham! Fashion designers are in no short supply either. Take for example, Tom Ford, Diane Von Furstenberg, who handled the interior design for one of the suites, or Marc Jacobs, who has previously drawn on inspiration from Claridge’s employee uniforms to create one of his runway shows.
Indeed, Claridge’s has everything it takes to seduce its visitors. Other than its legendary afternoon teatime, it’s easy to succumb to its elegant 30s style. The bar’s art deco ambiance, the ballroom… all are equally sound reasons to live out Spencer Tracy’s last wish.
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