The Dorchester is a national treasure. Since it first opened its doors to society’s elite in 1931, it has defined luxury and the finest British hospitality.
Visiting The Dorchester is always a great treat but never more so than at Christmas when the historic façade glitters with twinkling golden lights and the iconic doormen (the kindest in town) have an extra spring in their step than usual.
Continuing the tradition of celebrating the best of British, this year The Dorchester has been inspired by Mary Poppins, to coincide with the magical nanny’s return to London. The new film Mary Poppins Returns starring Emily Blunt, is set in the 1930s, a mere few years after The Dorchester first opened its doors.
In homage to Mary Poppins, taken from a scene in the original film when golden horses leapt from a carousel, this Christmas they will grace the Dorchester’s Promenade.
It is in the Promenade where a world-famous traditional afternoon tea is served year-round but at Christmas, it is given a festive spin. A grand choir performs Christmas carols to guests whilst they tuck into treats by Sarah Barber, the award-winning executive pastry chef.
A nod to the nostalgia from childhood classics she learned to bake with her grandfather, Sarah Barber gives them a contemporary twist to the signature afternoon tea which attracts guests for generations.
The Festive Afternoon Tea is laden with festive treats, from the elegant Santa’s hat pastry made with gingerbread panna cotta and mulled wine jelly and Chestnut cassis Mont Blancs.
There is also a selection of seasonal sandwiches, some of the most delicious we have ever tasted. In fact, the Traditional Norfolk Bronze Turkey sandwich with chopped apricot, cranberry and mustard is one of the most unforgettable dishes of the year, a great feat for a simple sandwich.
After the Festive Afternoon Tea, slip into the iconic bar at the Dorchester for a hot buttered rum. Don’t forget to wish legendary Bar Manager Giuliano Morandin a merry christmas, he has seen over 30 magical Christmasses in the hotel.
The Dorchester are continuing the partnership with Asprey, which has featured an Asprey boutique at its sister property ‘The Pink Palace’, The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles for 20 years.
The brands have collaborated with a shared enthusiasm for beauty and a history in celebrating British luxury. The Dorchester now has its own Asprey pop-up boutique, featuring the finest luxury goods such as the latest autumn/winter handbag collection, traditional Asprey crackers and iconic barware pieces, including the new Cosmic Collection.
Guests at The Dorchester will receive complimentary embossing and engraving at Asprey’s flagship store on New Bond Street, to add the perfect personal touch to your festive gifts.
The Dorchester is home to over 250 luxurious suites, affording majestic views of Hyde Park. There is also the stunning Dorchester spa, with its grand art-deco interior that would even impress Jay Gatsby.
It also houses ten magnificent banqueting halls, including the Ballroom; which has hosted some of history’s most iconic personalities, including, Prince Phillip, Elizabeth Taylor, Karl Lagerfeld and Lady Gaga.
Extend the magic by treating yourself to a decadent overnight stay, whilst the dedicated team at The Dorchester work hard overnight to ensure that guests awaken to a glittering winter wonderland.
When the last guest has gone to bed, a team of 20 work tirelessly through the night to install everything in under seven hours. Christmas trees line the front of the hotel, stand at the heart of the foyer and line the Promenade.
Like everything at The Dorchester, even the process of selecting the Christmas trees is a meticulous operation where not a single corner is cut. First, an order is placed long in advance to secure the best of the British crop. Then, six tree surgeons are needed to position the 14-foot intricately decorated main tree in the foyer, and a lorry with a crane to erect the trees outside.
From a choir accompanying an extraordinary afternoon tea to a glimpse of the charming festive decorations, Christmas doesn’t get better than at The Dorchester. This celebration is at the heart of The Dorchester, serving guests with luxury, great British tradition and a little magic.
The Dorchester signifies all that is great about England. It is the Queen of luxury London hotels; long may she reign.
The Dorchester
53 Park Ln, Mayfair, London W1K 1QA
