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Capital Hotel, Knightsbridge
The family-owned, five-star, boutique Capital Hotel has an enviable location in London's Knightsbridge, just around the corner from Harrods. Harvey Nichols and other exclusive outlets are an easy walk, while the British Natural History and Victoria and Albert Museums are within 15 minutes, Hyde Park and Buckingham Palace around 10. The Queen dropped in late last year for an after-theatre supper, other members of the Royal family dine there and the late Queen Mother came often. The Capital, with just 49 rooms and eight suites is one of the few remaining top-rating, family-owned hotels in London. A 12-room hotel, The Levin, in 1930s style adjoins the Capital and is also part of the group.
Scot David Levin, who began his career as an assistant waiter in Glasgow and worked his way through hotel kitchens, housekeeping and reception before becoming a manager, built the Capital from the ground up 44 years ago. It's in a quiet residential street, nestled between red-brick Victorian apartments where the railings are lined with flowers. Our classic double room was furnished with English antiques and artworks from Levin's private collection, with decor by British interior designer Nina Campbell, including denim wall fabric in Wedgewood blue by Ralph Lauren. The theme of understated, old-world comfort was carried through to the bathroom fittings, with big tub and shower, the decor in cream and white marble.
Outlaw's Michelin-star Restaurant at the Capital, operated by executive chef Nathan Outlaw, specialises in seasonal seafood, delivered daily from Cornwall. The restaurant was awarded the best single set lunch in Britain last year by the Waitrose Good Food Guide(two-course set lunch, weekdays, £22 ($45). The restaurant's organic wines were from Levin's winery in the Loire Valley, managed by his Australian wife Lynne. He founded a wine-making company in the Adelaide Hills with help from Australian industry figures Brian Croser and the late Len Evans, later shipping the winery to the Loire Valley. The Capital's bar is a favourite haunt for international whisky connoisseurs where the collection is spearheaded by 40-year-old malts. Bar manager Portuguese Cesar da Silva has been awarded the title Keeper of the Quaich, the international society founded by Scotch distillers; at 32 da Silva is Britain's youngest recipient of the award.
Knightsbridge tube station is in the centre of it all; the area is also well served by buses and is a convenient stepping-off point for Chelsea's Sloane Square boutiques and the West End. "There's a lot happening in London," says David Levin. "A lot" can simply mean the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace; multiple thousands, climbing on every monument vantage point, turned out for the event on our way to the hotel on a sunny, spring morning. Other events, like the Chelsea Flower Show, opened by the Queen during our visit, also attract tens of thousands with a flow-on to the Capital's restaurant.
A decanter of amontillado sherry on the small reception desk to welcome guests on arrival is indicative of the personal touch and hospitality offered by the Capital. While it's exclusive, we found the atmosphere laidback and exuding friendliness not least from David Levin, who has marked his 80th year, his daughter Kate, the general manager, and staff, many long-term, like concierge Clive Smith who tells us he's been there for 24 years. The Capital has received a string of awards including as one of the top London business hotels by Conde Nast Traveller and London Hotel of the Year by the Good Hotel Guide. All that, with the superb location, adds up to a winning combination.
The Capital Hotel, 22 Basil Street, London. Doubles from £425 ($880). See www.capitalhotel.co.uk.
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