The five star Edgerton House Hotel in Knightsbridge belonging to the family run Red Carnation Hotels has long been one of London’s best kept secrets and one that’s especially guarded by in-the-know dog owners who wouldn’t dream of staying anywhere else with their pooch when they visit the city.
Given the long list of services The Egerton offers dogs you’d feel guilty for leaving them behind, all the more so during this festive season when the hotel’s elegant period townhouse frontage has been transformed into a fairy-lit and bauble-clad wonderland inspired by The Nutcracker ballet. The decorations continue inside, along with a roaring fire at reception and a refreshment table of gourmet hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies for a memorably warm welcome.
It goes without saying that there’s always a dog treat on hand for your four legged friend, for The Egerton aren’t one of those hotels calling themselves ‘dog friendly’ who promptly issue owners with a list of dos and don’ts – they are genuinely obsessed with making you both feel at home the moment you step through the door.
The Doggy Afternoon Tea is every bit as much fun for the doting parent as for dog; presented in a 3-tier dog bowl stand and including homemade peanut butter biscuits, carrot cake and chicken liver meatloaf – the particular favourite of our Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Clemmie, who isn’t shy when it comes to asking for a second helping! Earlier this year the hotel launched a bespoke Pet Paw-Trait and Doggy Afternoon Tea experience with London-born Shelley “ShelleyTheArtist” Levy whose client list includes dog-loving Hollywood royalty such as Melissa McCarthy; a collaboration that offers The Edgerton’s dog mums and dads the chance to take home a souvenir of their trip that they will treasure forever.
The fact that each of the 28 rooms and suites are individually designed is a huge part of the hotel’s charm. Our spacious, vaulted ceilinged Studio Suite with striped fabric walls and seating area was supremely comfortable, but no matter your room type, the luxurious Egyptian cotton bedlinen, down pillows and bathrooms stocked with Floris toiletries are as standard, while dogs will be spoiled with luxury beds, pet bowls and embroidered towels, besides treats and toys. Nor will they be left out when it comes to the nightly turn-down.
There’s even a pet menu with cooked to order dishes so they can keep you company when you’re indulging in a spot of room service. When you’re enjoying a cocktail in the bar order your companion the ‘Dog-tini’ served with doggy canapes. Some might say it’s all barking mad, but they clearly don’t have a dog! It’s further peace of mind to know that dog sitting, walking and grooming is available to book via the dedicated ‘Pet Concierge’.
After a sound night’s sleep, every day is Christmas Day when the fluffiest pancakes with berries and maple syrup are delivered to your room of a morning and ensure that you’re well set up for exploring and putting your credit card through its paces. Belonging to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the hotel’s enviable location opposite the leafy and secluded Egerton Gardens offers a peaceful residential haven whilst being ideally placed for shopping or sightseeing.
The department stores of Harrods and Harvey Nichols are within easy reach, along with the designer fashion boutiques of Brompton Road and Sloane Street. The world-famous Hyde and Kensington Parks are just as walkable, so too the Kensington museums including The Natural History Museum and Victoria & Albert whose sell-out fashion exhibitions are always on the radar of dedicated fashionistas who, even when tottering in heels, manage to combine a shopping trip with culture.
The Egerton, formerly two Victorian townhouses, is the most intimate of the Red Carnation Hotels in London, but whatever limitations are brought about by its petite stature it more than makes up for in terms of personal service and ambiance, with that home-away-from-home style that keeps a core customer base returning year after year. For example, the keenest foodie could hardly mind that they don’t have a restaurant (there is a 24-hour in-room dining menu and a breakfast room) when surrounded by so many acclaimed food destinations including Claude Bosi at Bibendum located at the iconic Michelin House. In the meantime, weary Christmas shoppers can restore themselves with the indulgent Nutcracker Afternoon Tea served by the fireside of The Egerton’s sumptuous Drawing Room.
Commencing with your choice of loose leaf JING tea and a selection of sandwiches which includes H Forman and Son smoked salmon on homemade bread, the creative patisserie is a role call of beloved moments from The Nutcracker ballet; the ‘Land of the Snowflakes’ choux bun with crème centre and coconut, ‘Waltz of the Flowers’ rose-infused sponge with vanilla and raspberry cream, ‘Mother Ginger’ spiced sponge with cream cheese frosting and ‘Sugar Plum Fairy’ plum cake with white chocolate mousse. Fruit and plain scones, accompanied by the traditional clotted cream and jam, are served straight from the oven, while the moment lives on with the ‘Land of the Sweets’ gingerbread-house-style sweetie box to take away.
If only The Egerton was as transportable and we could check-in wherever we go!
The Egerton House Hotel, 17-19 Egerton Terrace, London SW3 2BX. For more information and reservations please visit www.egertonhousehotel.com.
