Hotel Review: Chiltern Firehouse
In the fall of last year, I took a ten day work trip to London for some business meetings, trend shopping and of course, people watching. These trips are fun and inspiring, and I always return home on idea overload, excited to share everything with you 😊 One of our favorite meals of the trip was our dinner at the Chiltern Firehouse, and after the best cocktail of my life, I knew I needed to come back and stay at this little gem!
On the last part of the London trip, my girlfriend went back home to Portland, and I stayed four more days, solo. Since I had left that part of the itinerary open, it worked out perfectly that the Chiltern Firehouse happened to have exactly one room left … over a weekend no less! On the first night, I met my cousin and her family for dinner, which was truly the highlight of the trip. And after that, it was just me wandering the streets of London, and loving every minute of it.
The Chiltern Firehouse is a luxury hotel and restaurant situated in the Marylebone neighborhood. It was quiet and peaceful, and also close to Selfridges and Bond Street, two of my favorite shopping areas. Condé Nast describes it as “sexy, hard-to-get rooms in an A-lister’s paradise.” It was elegant and understated, and during my visit, I didn’t recognize any celebrities (wink). Keep reading for some London inspo, the best cocktail ever, and of course, what the rooms looked like!
So Susie Score: Consider the Chiltern if you’re going to London — you won’t regret it. Cheers 🥂
Personal photos
Top row: The Chiltern Firehouse | The best cocktail ever | Sexy bar in the lobby
Bottom row: My last day | Top tier hotel closet | Morning coffee on the outside terrace
I announced to my girlfriend over dinner last week that the Chiltern Firehouse cocktail was the best drink I’ve ever had in my life!! Since I swiped the menu, I’m hoping we can replicate it here at home. It’s called “Under the Volcano,” and unsurprisingly, many people there wanted the recipe. This is as close as I can get (it’s listed on the menu): Casamigos Reposado Tequila, Martini Fiero, Jalapeño Oil. Add a large ice cube, and dip half the rim in crystalized sugar. Enjoy!
Every morning, I wandered down to the terrace area that was fully covered by umbrellas, with fireplaces warming the space. If you wanted more warmth, there were blankets strewn about that you could borrow. Imagine my surprise when my coffee arrived in this pretty Asiatic Pheasant mug, which happens to be the exact pattern I have at home! The scrambled eggs also arrived on a rectangular plate of the same pattern. It really did make me feel like I was home.
My room was elegantly appointed, and the fine linens made it feel extra luxurious. I also loved the closet in my room — it was perfect for snapping a couple of photos for the blog.
Family time
Since my dad was the oldest of five, I was the first cousin born, and ten years later my cousin Wendy was born. She and my grandma flew to the US for my wedding, which is such a special memory. But, as things go, we both settled into our lives, worked and raised kids, and the years went by. It was truly a highlight of this trip to reconnect with her. We were both so surprised at how much my Jack and her son Jack look alike!
I also dashed off to the Kent Seaside to visit my other aunts, uncles and cousins and spend one night there. If you’re ever in London, this is an easy day trip and gives you a little flavor of the English countryside.
Marylebone shopping favorites
Ba&sh – I spotted this cute cardigan and thought hard about these boots
Matches Fashion – Liked this tray, perfect for gifts for the entertainers in your life
Sézane – There was a line around the corner every day, which made me feel like I needed to go in the store, but I didn’t want to wait – I ended getting this shirt jacket when I got home
Me + Em – Picked up this pretty lilac sweater
Selfridges – While not in the actual Marylebone neighborhood, it was a quick ten minute walk. It’s my absolute favorite place to wander around and have tea for a little refresh.
Thank you for reading xx
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