Escape to… The Gore, London
Quintessential British hotel The Gore is a winning combination of sumptuous style and rock ‘n’ roll history
First impressions
Among the grand Kensington townhouses which line Queen’s Gate, The Gore is a suitably elegant neighbour, fitting in discreetly. It is only once inside that the hotel’s glorious eccentricity and rock ’n’ roll heritage fully reveal themselves. With heavy gilt mirrors, deep reds and golds and, most decadent of all, Cinderella’s Carriage, a cosy corner for small parties which closely resembles two four-poster beds, the Baroque-styled Bar 190, near the hotel’s entrance, is a decadent place for a cocktail or two. It is fitting, then, that it found fame in 1968 as the location for the Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet album launch with the younger faces of one of Britain’s most famous bands adorning the bar’s walls to this day.
The rooms
In line with the sumptuous style of the place, the bedrooms at The Gore continue the rock ’n’ roll fairytale theme with deep colours and luxuriant draping – put to most dramatic effect in the Tudor Room, which boasts the grandest of four-poster beds in glossy oak and a 15th-century minstrels’ gallery. Although the antique furniture and vintage books lining the shelves offer the sense of travelling back in time (The Gore has been welcoming guests since 1892), there are all the modern touches rock royalty might expect – from Wi-Fi to witty wallpaper. The four-star hotel is one of 12 hotels from around the world in the Starhotels Collezione, all iconic properties with a strong sense of heritage and personality.
Food and drink
The Gore’s new restaurant, 190 Queen’s Gate, offers British comfort food with a twist. Michelin-starred chef Daniel Galmiche brings his experience in French cuisine to British favourites such as line-caught cod or Norfolk quail, making the most of UK ingredients with his own sophisticated take on things. The deconstructed leek and potato salad was sublime – and not just because truffle makes everything taste better. His extraordinarily inventive and beautifully prepared food really is something special, and if you’re looking for a lighter dish, Bar 190 offers a tempting array of tapas and lighter plates for lunch. And the cocktails are very good indeed.
The neighbourhood
A stone’s throw from the Royal Albert Hall, The Gore is wonderfully situated for exploring South Kensington’s treasures, including the V&A, Natural History and Science Museums. If you’re craving fresh air, Hyde Park is no distance at all, nor are the gaudier temptations Knightsbridge has to offer.
In a nutshell
A quintessentially British hotel, with a winning combination of sumptuous style, rock ’n’ roll history and ideal location. And if it’s good enough for the Rolling Stones…
Rooms at The Gore are available from £160 per night based on two sharing. The rates are inclusive of Wi-Fi and VAT. For bookings, please email: reservations.thegore@starhotels.com
