1. the connaught
Modern
Mayfair
the maybourne papers
the connaught
issue 1 / winter 2009 - 2010
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2. the connaught the connaught
Welcome to the first issue of the Connaught
paper, a round up of round up news and events.
Connaught paper, a thoughts,
of thoughts, news and events. renaissance of
In this issue we reflect on the
Mayfair andwe reflect on the the seasons festivities.
In this issue look forward to
We will alsoof Mayfair and our new private
renaissance be introducing look
entertaining rooms designed by Guy Oliver,
forward to the season’s festivities.
unveiling ourbe introducing our
We will also top floor private apartment
designed by David Collins and previewing
new private entertaining rooms
the Aman Spa. Oliver, unveiling
designed by Guy
our top floor private apartment to our website
For more information please refer
designed by David Collins and
the-connaught.com
previewing the Aman Spa.
Please send correspondence to editor@maybourne.com
For more information please refer
to our website the-connaught.co.uk
Please send correspondence to
editor@maybourne.com
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3. the connaught the connaught
Winter •
Amenities
Descamps bedlinen for the main
and guest bedroom (450 threadcount)
Wonderland •
•
Complimentary bottle of Krug champagne
on arrival
Chauffeur-driven transfer to & from airport
• Personalised robes
This season the Connaught has • Bamford organic and natural
unveiled its top floor private bathroom amenities
apartment. Designed by David • Complimentary soft drinks
Collins, the sumptuous apartment and water from the mini-bar
• Complimentary movies
features a roof terrace with sweeping • Complimentary use of hptx2
views over Carlos Place, a private state-of-the-art laptops
staircase entrance and a spacious • Children’s sized dressing gowns and slippers
sitting-room. Among other benefits, • Complimentary use of Nintendo Wii,
Playstation 3 and selection of games
guests of this luxurious apartment • 24-hour private butler service
will be served by a dedicated Butler. • Complimentary clothes pressing of
up to four items
• Hélène Darroze fine dining in
the private dining room
• Guaranteed access to Aman Spa
and treatments
The spacious sitting-room in an understated The airy master bedroom, in gold-suffused The two spacious wrap-around terraces
palette of heathery blues and ocean greys, cream and blue, with silk and lace canopied affording magnificent views over Mayfair,
double height vaulted ceiling, lavender- King-sized bed, grosgrain ribbon detailed complete with garden furniture and topiary
veined marble fireplace, inviting navy blue walls, bespoke furniture including a designed by six time Chelsea Flower Show
velvet sofas, romantic window seats and crocodile topped table housing a plasma gold medallist Tom Stuart-Smith.
wrap around balconies. TV and DVD player, adjoining dressing
room, en suite bathroom and King-sized
guest bedroom with en suite bathroom.
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4. the connaught the connaught
The
Connaught
Noël Dinner new Year’s eve
Join us for a very special Christmas £135
at Carlos Place. From Christmas
Eve to Boxing day the Connaught Leek and potato velouté,
will spoil you with magical surprises Dinner 24th of December
ricotta green gnocchi, poached baby leeks,
black truffle from Périgord
and the most delicious menus. £70
——
Duck foie gras from Les Landes panacotta,
Eggnog and mince pies on arrival
In Festive
• white truffle from Alba “ice-cream”,
• English breakfast on Christmas morning chestnut emulsion
Spirit
——
• H
orse-drawn carriage ride through
Ravioli of Rosewalt potato,
Mayfair village on Christmas morning Scottish scallop
with hot chocolate or mulled wine Scottish scallop tartare with lime and and black truffle from Périgord,
and mince pies In addition to our Christmas programme, Aquitaine caviar, chicken jus
• Christmas lunch in Espelette, cuisine between Friday 18th December 2009 Britanny cauliflower velouté ——
—— Roasted venison with Lampong pepper,
by Hélène Darroze and Sunday 10th January 2010 inclusive, pumpkin mousseline,
Crispy pancake of blue lobster,
(For an additional £85pp guests can the Connaught is pleased to offer spinach and cèpes, Lunch 25th of December Grand-Veneur sauce,
dine in Hélène Darroze at the Connaught) guests rooms from as little as £295 per pink champagne sauce Adults £95 / Children £55 stilton Chantilly
• Christmas cocktail in one of the bars night room only for two people sharing —— ——
a Superior King-bedded room. Dodine of yellow capon from Les Landes White chocolate dome
• Brunch in Hélène Darroze at the
stuffed with duck foie gras and chestnuts, with light cottage cheese,
Connaught on Boxing Day blackcurrant jus
Minimum length of stay applies. creamy salsifis and roasted girolles,
• 4pm late checkout black truffle emulsion ——
Price excludes vat.
• Concierge can assist with booking —— “Alpaco” chocolate cream,
midnight mass at local churches Christmas log with hazelnut, Smoked Scottish salmon, chocolate cake, coffee Chantilly,
Jivara chocolate and crispy praline potato waffles with dill Jersey granite, opaline
With rates from £650pp for a Deluxe King —— cream and chives,
room, based on two people sharing. caviar from Aquitaine
——
The Connaught is helping to protect Duck foie gras from Les Landes
penguins, polar bears and their habitats. cooked “au torchon”
with Jurançon sweet wine,
Our Christmas programme therefore The Connaught Noël Terms & Conditions
Christmas chutney
includes your choice of a wwf “Help Save A deposit of 25% per person will be ——
Me” polar bear or penguin pack. Included taken at time of booking to guarantee Roasted Scottish scallop,
is a delightful cuddly polar bear or penguin your reservation. You may cancel your spelt wheat risotto, beetroot reduction,
according to your choice. reservation up to 1st December 2009, lemongrass emulsion
——
after which the deposit becomes non-
For reservations and further information Traditional Christmas turkey
refundable. Full charge payable for ——
about the Connaught Noël, please call
cancellations on or after 11th December Christmas pudding,
+44(0)20 7107 8843, email reservations@
2009. Offers are subject to availability. Brandy sauce
the-connaught.co.uk or visit the-connaught. ——
Rates include vat at 15% and exclude a
co.uk quoting “the Connaught Noël ”.
5% discretionary service charge. Offers
Please state your preference for a penguin
may not be used in association with
or polar bear when booking.
any other offers or negotiated rates and
apply to new bookings only. Calls may be
monitored for quality control and training
purposes. Lunch and dinner exclusive
of beverages. One cocktail per person.
Minimum two night stay.
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5. the connaught the connaught
The Private
Portfolio
This season the Connaught unveils Leaded windows provide tranquil views
a suite of new private entertaining over the neighbouring mews. From here
a staircase leads to the Ballroom, entered
rooms for groups of six to 200. through impressive silver and bronze double
Designed by Guy Oliver and doors. The walls are hung with silver
featuring a delightful courtyard satinised silk, with a hint of lavender, set
garden created by six times Chelsea between silver grey marble pilasters
supporting the coffered ceiling lit by ten
gold medallist Tom Stuart-Smith. especially designed hand-made chandeliers.
Here up to 120 guests can be seated for
lunch or dinner and a state-of-the-art sound
and lighting system and a sprung parquet
dance floor set within a marble border, make
the space an excellent choice for gala
The Connaught has long been one of dinners, presentations, private screenings,
London’s most exclusive venues. Now, and exclusive catwalk shows. The area may
in addition to its two historic meeting and also be divided into two and is the first
dining rooms, the Georgian and Regency Ballroom to be built in Mayfair for 80 years.
Rooms, a sumptuous ballroom and two more The two smaller syndicate rooms
intimate meeting and dining spaces are accommodate up to six and 12 guests
being added, designed with unique flair by respectively, perfect for board meetings
leading interiors expert Guy Oliver. This and power dining. Lined with silvered oak
means that the hotel will now cater with panelling and mirrored ceilings, their
style for any size of event between six and decorative windows overlook the gardens.
200 guests, enjoying Michelin-starred menus
For further information please contact
from acclaimed cuisinière Hélène Darroze.
the Connaught events team on
Approached via a delightful courtyard
+44 (0)20 7107 8894
garden designed by six times Chelsea gold
medallist Tom Stuart-Smith, along
barrel-vaulted paths of Portland stone,
the feeling is very much part of the buzzy
Mayfair Village scene, with vitrines
displaying the cream of the area’s
fashionable boutiques and galleries.
The look is thirties but with a most
contemporary twist. The Meeting Suite,
lined in stone, with its mirrored ceiling
echoed in the circular pattern of the black
and white marble flooring, allows up to
120 guests to gather in comfort. This
flexible area also divides to provide a
smaller gathering space and a meeting or
presentation room for up to 60 people, or
alternatively a dining room and a secondary
meeting room for up to 20 guests.
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6. the connaught the connaught
Martini
Matters
You may consider yourself a Martini
connoisseur: but until you have tried one
at the Connaught Bar, you haven’t lived.
First, the bar trolley is wheeled to your table.
Choose from a selection of the best gins
or vodkas, then choose the flavour of your
choice from an array of test tubes: vanilla,
coriander and liquorice are the favourites.
The bartender stirs (never shakes, James
Bond take note), and serves up in a Lalique
glass, Santé.
For reservations at the Connaught Bar and more
information please contact the Connaught on
+44 (0)20 7499 7070
MLAB,
M’Lord
This season, lucky suite guests at the
Connaught will receive a complimentary
package of MLAB cosmeceutical skincare,
the most efficacious and luxurious anti-
aging formula in the world. They will
also benefit from the specialist anti-aging
skincare and product training each
Connaught Butler has received.
MLAB is the flagship product of
Milbar Laboratories, a leader in innovative
professional skincare developed for
dermatologists and plastic surgeons for
over 25 years. This is skincare for the
twenty first century and includes
remarkable, un-precedented levels of
clinically active ingredients combined in
an effective matrix formula that targets all
signs of skin aging.
MLAB is available exclusively for purchase
online at mlabonline.com and also
at Harrods, London.
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7. the connaught the connaught
Back to the future,
Modern Mayfair
With a growing shift in values,
is our appreciation for the authentic
and the rare making a come back?
During the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s we became The Connaught tackled what would seem
obsessed with the future, what it looked like, an impossible task, to retain exemplary
what dangers it would bring, how it would traditional service, a central location in
change us and how we could get there even the bit of Mayfair that matters and that
more quickly. We wanted everything faster, Connaught feeling you can’t put your finger
bigger, newer and with this yearning to fast on - like an established country house, with
forward came an appreciation of technology the most charming host, slap bang in the
over tried and trusted methods, a love of middle of the city. All of this was combined
automation over personalization and a boom with the best contemporary design, a brave
in mass produced luxuries which sadly and brilliant art buyer and some of the
suffocated a traditional market in authentic youngest, hottest talent around, from the
specialist goods. Having sated our appetites Michelin-starred Hélène Darroze in the
for space age gadgets, minimalist kitchen to the young international team
environments and luxury defined by logo of front of house managers. Far from being
there has been a slow but steady return in intimidated by the history, they have
recent years to an appreciation for the embraced the best of its past and seamlessly
authentic, the specialist and the rare. combined it with an energy and efficiency
which is bang up to date.
This shift in values coincided beautifully with
the re-birth of Mayfair and more particularly, Mayfair is no stranger to excellence and has
the Connaught on Carlos Place, London’s long been home to the specialist, Allens of
legendary home of authenticity and quality, Mayfair is the oldest butcher in the district,
a place at once buzzing with the palpable established in 1830 and is still a mark of
energy (and money!) of the new Mayfair exemplary quality, although they are now
and protecting and promoting an enviable more likely to be selling filet to a fund
heritage in obsessive attention to detail, manager than quail to the kitchen maid.
provenance and service.
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8. the connaught the connaught
More and more of us are now engaged in This focus on the personal and re-thinking
the pleasurable pursuit of excellence, what really matters today extends through
the refined editing of experience, seeking the hotel and is even reflected in the
out the very best and perhaps more provenance of the produce used in the
importantly wanting to evaluate experiences hotels restaurants and bars. Explore the
for ourselves and understand why we think menus and you will find a delightful
something is superior. It’s perhaps no surprise selection of jams produced by French
then that these few streets in Mayfair, maker Christine Ferber and exquisite
known locally as Mayfair Village have brandy made with artisan methods by
attracted some of the most desirable Hélène Darroze’s father.
international brands. We can credit Marc
The Connaught is typically modest when
Jacobs with putting Mount Street back on
pushed on this approach, they simply state
the map as a home to desirable, unique
that their guests are very special, as
boutiques and since its launch in 2007,
connoisseurs of luxury they demand
Mount Street and Carlos Place have been
authentic knowledge, a superior experience
transformed with Balenciaga, Diane von
and personalization where possible. It is this
Furstenberg, Louboutin, Lanvin,
that they believe has driven the renaissance
Wunderkind and most recently Goyard
of the expert. After an afternoon spent
moving in. One can still shop for guns,
people watching in the Coburg bar I can
game and badger brushes for your bristles
only agree, the people they are catering for
thanks to James Purdey and sons and
are a rare breed, an exciting mix, rarely seen
Thomas Goode.
together anywhere else, a kind of big game
At the heart of this Mayfair Village is the park of London life, you can wander in and
Connaught, which promotes the age old witness the big five (fashion, art, politics,
question, which came first the chicken or money and society) clearly delighting in an
the egg?, Carlos Place or the Connaught? experience which blends the best of the old
No matter, however they came about it’s a and the best of the new. The renaissance of
marriage made in heaven. With the the Connaught reflects a wider trend, a
confidence of a business rooted in the past return to the expertise, dedication and
but with a very clear vision of the future the quality for which Mayfair has always been
Connaught has made over their butler renowned. Long live authentic luxury!
service for the 21st Century. Their butlers
The Editor
can advise on anything from styling to
editor@maybourne.com
skincare, IT to high tea and each of them
has been trained by John Lobb to provide
the best shoe shine in London.
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9. the connaught the connaught
Gourmet
Brunch is a subject very close to Hélène’s
heart, she says “I fondly recall many long
weekend brunches that I enjoy preparing for
Brunch my friends in France and Britain. Sunny
mornings in early Spring, the smell of freshly
baked breads and the perfect company
As one of France’s most celebrated of family and friends all on one table make
chefs, two Michelin-starred brunch the most cherished moment of my
weekend.” Once inside her eponymous
Hélène Darroze has reinvented restaurant guests are treated to a variety
the traditional Saturday brunch. of flavourful cured meats and country-style
pâtés including Bayonne ham and chorizo
which are all sourced from Pierre Oteiza,
one of Darroze’s favourite Basque
delicatessen shops.
A true gourmet treat, Hélène Darroze at
the Connaught is the perfect conclusion
to a chic Mayfair morning and the must-
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10. the connaught the connaught
All is calm
All is bright
Winter has most certainly arrived
and with it the dreaded dull
complexions and seasonal fatigue of
contemporary urban life. Shorter days,
darker nights and the ‘wonderful’
London weather all conspire to sap
energy and increase stress.
Thank goodness for the Connaught, with
its usual uncanny timing and knack for
knowing what we want before we do our-
selves, the hotel has just launched a new
Aman Spa. A serious destination spa with
a menu which reflects the flavours of each
of the Aman locations. Luxurious contem-
porary design with an Asian touch, holistic
consultants, treatment rooms with personal
steam rooms and a unique range of signature
treatments, the spa has been described as
‘the ne plus ultra of city spas in the heart of
the world’s greatest city... escape into a quiet,
sensual place where you are looked after, in
the heart of a coddling hotel in the centre of
the most exclusive part of London’.
For reservations and more information please
contact the Connaught on +44 (0)20 7499 7070
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11. the connaught the connaught
Urban
Gentry
Discover little-known gems and The Capital Art tour takes you through
visit off-the-radar sites. With tours London’s contemporary art epicentre to
the creative hotbed of London’s East End.
full of secrets no guide book could
Guided by a local in-the-know artist you
ever reveal, Maybourne Hotel will discover some of Europe’s most exciting
Group has teamed up with the and stimulating galleries and artists.
hippest tour company, Urban The tour starts with an introduction and
Gentry to create a series of über talk by an East End gallery owner and/or
stylish bespoke weekend packages. dealer just east of London’s financial district.
Once a scruffy wasteland, the early 1990s
marked the transformation of the East End
and today it plays a pivotal role in the
world’s contemporary art scene.
Example venues include Ibid Projects,
Alma Enterprises, Fred, David Reisley
Gallery, One in the Other, Vilma Gold,
T1+2, Paradise Row, Concrete Hermit,
T-Building, Flowers East, White Cube
The tours are available Tuesday - Sunday at
a time to suit you, starting after 11am. To fully
enjoy the experience you will need to set aside
half a day.
Transport - A private car or Black cab will
take you to and around East London and return
you to the Connaught at the end of the trip
Fee - £65 per hour
For further information and bookings please
email concierge@the-connaught.co.uk or call
+44 (0)20 7499 7070
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12. 1
the connaught the connaught
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Goyard
Select from an array of accessories uniquely
designed by La Maison Goyard’s meticulous atelier.
With their new delivery of dog leads and collars
arriving soon, walks through Mayfair with man’s
best friend have never been so enviable.
Mount Street Printers
Established in 1981 as creators
of fine stationery and exquisite Christian Louboutin
bespoke items. Treat your Indulge in the ultimate
friends and family to the sophistication with a
most sumptuous hand crafted pair of ‘Lady Page’ high
4
In the Bag
Christmas cards in all number heels. Created from
of traditional finishes. Or choose ‘Lie de vin’ silk with a
their gilt Edged place cards to navy velvet trim and
finish your Christmas table. a hand-stitched velvet
Mayfair Village shopping is an bow, these shoes
experience not to be missed, with are perfection!
some of the finest brands on offer,
we select this seasons must haves.
Marc Jacobs
If you don’t already have one,
the Eugenie clutch is the perfect
purchase of the season. With its
gold clasp detail and delicate studs,
this quilted clutch is sure to be a
firm favourite for seasons to come.
5 22
William & Son
Appointed by Her Majesty the Queen
in January 2009 there really is no finer
place to buy all things exquisite.
A Graf Von Faber-Castell fountain
pen comes highly recommended,
and the bespoke engraving is a must.
23

13. 1
23
Goyard
Select from an array of accessories uniquely
designed by La Maison Goyard’s meticulous atelier.
With their new delivery of dog leads and collars
arriving soon, walks through Mayfair with man’s
best friend have never been so enviable.
Mount Street Printers
Established in 1981 as creators
of fine stationery and exquisite Christian Louboutin
bespoke items. Treat your Indulge in the ultimate
friends and family to the sophistication with a
most sumptuous hand crafted pair of ‘Lady Page’ high
4
In the Bag
Christmas cards in all number heels. Created from
of traditional finishes. Or choose ‘Lie de vin’ silk with a
their gilt Edged place cards to navy velvet trim and
finish your Christmas table. a hand-stitched velvet
Mayfair Village shopping is an bow, these shoes
experience not to be missed, with are perfection!
some of the finest brands on offer,
we select this seasons must haves.
Marc Jacobs
If you don’t already have one,
the Eugenie clutch is the perfect
purchase of the season. With its
gold clasp detail and delicate studs,
this quilted clutch is sure to be a
firm favourite for seasons to come.
5 the maybourne papers
the connaught
issue 1 / winter 2009 - 2010
the connaught carlos place mayfair london w1k 2al
24
William & Son
Appointed by Her Majesty the Queen
in January 2009 there really is no finer
place to buy all things exquisite.
A Graf Von Faber-Castell fountain
pen comes highly recommended,
and the bespoke engraving is a must.