The Langham Hotel review

The idea of being in proximity to Oxford Street might induce that ‘sickening’ feeling in many and for the most part they would be justified. Its endless rabbles of zombie day-trippers shuffle and selfie their way around a range of shops that are best dealt with online. However the area just to its north is an underrated escape from the mindless stampedes. The universe does continue the other side of Topshop, seeing an increasing number of successful independent eateries such as Patty & Bun and MEATliquor alongside third wave coffee houses such as the infamous Curators Coffee Gallery. One hotel was there before it all though, and will no doubt be there long after; The Langham Hotel.

Opening in 1865 as the Capital’s first purpose built ‘Grand Hotel’, The Langham’s past has been inextricably woven into the area it inhabits; even experiencing a stint as additional office space for the BBC that now resides across the road. In recent decades it has gone under extensive renovation to restore it to it’s former magnificence and it shows. Classic furnishings are seen in the rooms with black marble bathrooms and a thoroughly exhaustive selection of toiletries sourced from the hotel spa, tastefully accented by Langham’s trademark pink to please your plus one, gents.

Unbelievably large for its postcode, you can get lost wandering the labyrinth of halls and corridors to find its fitness centre. Make it out alive and you will be greatly rewarded. The facilities dwarf most London boutique hotels by including an impressive 16m indoor heated swimming pool tucked into what was once a bank vault alongside a salt sauna and vitality pool in black slate and brushed metal. It’s a very Bond-esque experience that lends itself to the thoroughly British feel throughout, contrasted only by the Chuan Spa. As the only hotel spa in London to focus on traditional Chinese medicine, customers can choose from a range of ‘journeys’ designed to stimulate meridian harmony and harmonise your Wu Xing elements. Just what you were looking for, right?

The Artesian bar has such a reputation that any discerning gentleman should already have its name chalked up on your ‘must visit’ list. For three years running it has taken the ‘World’s Best Bar’ spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list so it’s no surprise the place is bustling most nights. The cocktails on offer resemble modern art installations that at times beg the question ‘how do I drink this?’, but for maximum Instagram impact we recommend the ‘Camouflage’, served in a golden pineapple. Featuring Tanqueray No. TEN, Americano, carrot, Kambucha and lit sandalwood incense, the pineapple itself symbolises hospitality, of course.

An unarguably high roster, containing two legends and a rising star, The Roux at the Landau has formed a new French superpower of cuisine. The restaurant sees father and son Albert and Michel Roux Jr working together for the first time in 19 years, alongside head chef Chris King formerly of Le Gavroche and Per Se New York. You must ogle the fine wines that line the hallway’s full length cabinets as you enter the suitably opulent setting. The high ballroom ceilings and elegant design create a spacious yet surprisingly relaxed venue with most tables managing to capture a level of privacy.

The menu itself is nothing ground breaking but who wants complicated molecular gastronomy throwing off their newly balanced chakras. Instead the menu sees classics served well and underpinned by charming service, including knowledgable sommeliers and a bread serving waiter who clearly had a vendetta against our waistlines. Start with the Crisp Blue prawns and follow with the Denham Estate venison, served with young parsnips and sour cherries that conspire to produce a juicy, meaty affair. Finish with the bitter chocolate millefeuille with maple ice cream and experience a dizzying level of rich intensity previously undiscovered. However, finish it at your own risk.

With a spa to align your inner elements, and cocktails to unfold and explore, the Langham provides you with a balanced ambiance. Each element of the Langham is worthy of individual praise and united by an understated elegance that makes it the perfect, relaxing oasis just a stone’s throw from chaos.

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