The Capital Hotel: A night in Knightsbridge

Tucked away on Basil Street, with Harrods as a neighbour, lies a truly British treat.  A charming hotel, small, boutique, host once to the Queen,  which offers traditional British hospitality, excellent food and glorious surrounding.

The Capital in Knightsbridge simply offers charm and serenity from the chaos that can be the tourist hotspot that is Knightsbridge.

Established in 1971, by David Levin, The Capital remains a family run hotel, now run by David’s daughter, Kate.  It is the family feel that makes this hotel such a welcome relief from the larger hotels that dominate the streets of London.

The hotel, has 49 guest rooms, beautifully designed, and with bed linen that cuddles you to sleep.

The Michelin starred restaurant was closed on our visit but we enjoyed a light bite in the bar.  My steak was cooked to perfection and the dessert menu set our taste buds tingling.  Every day except for Sunday, visitors can dine at Outlaw’s at The Capital, which is a Michelin starred restaurant ran by award-winning chef Nathan Outlaw.  Nathan’s passion for seafood is evident in the menu and you can wash down an amazing meals with one of the finest selections of whiskies in London.

My friend and I had a wonderful time as guests of The Capital Hotel, so luxurious were our rooms that we struggled to leave our hotel and venture out into Knightsbridge.  However the lure of the cocktails in the bar coaxed us out, and the thrill of shopping in Harvey Nicholls and Harrods.

Plus we went next door to The Capital’s sister hotel, for an amazing lunch at The Metro.  The Metro sits in the basement of The Levin Hotel and serves a range of classic British meals including the best Eton Mess for pudding.  The wine list is impressive and the waiting team beyond professional.  You can pop in for lunch whilst you shop, join them for happy hour every week night between 5-7, or listen to some live acoustic guitar on Thursday between 6-8.

Cream Tea at The Capital

If you want a taste of The Capital, launching on Wednesday September 9^th  you will find the hotel putting on a magnificent afternoon tea including traditional British favourites: Victoria sponge, Bakewell tart and crumpets all baked by the Michelin-starred team behind Outlaw’s at The Capital.

From 2.30 pm to 5 pm each afternoon, for an affordable £29.50 per person, a mouth-watering selection of sandwiches includes classic cucumber, egg and cress, ham and mustard or smoked mackerel pâté with sweet treats such as the Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwich and savoury bites including bacon and mushroom quiche.   Plain and fruit scones are served warm with home-made strawberry jam and Devonshire clotted cream.

This delicious spread is accompanied by a selection of Jing’s tea blends ranging from timeless favourites such as Earl Grey or Bohea (Lapsang Souchong) to Green tea from Japan or fruit infusions.

Plus, if you want something more than tea, then you want to meet The Capital’s award-winning Barman, Cesar, he has created two perfect afternoon tea cocktails with Sipsmith London Dry Gin for the base.  The Basil Street Spritz: blackcurrant and hibiscus infused tea and Champagne; or the Capital Citrus Blend: marmalade, orange, lime and apple juice, Bohea infused tea and Curaçao.

Afternoon Tea with one of these cocktails costs £35 per person.  The Capital Champagne Afternoon Tea comes with a glass of Ayala Champagne and costs £39.50 per person.

Prices quoted are per person and include VAT and reservation is advised.  Likewise for stays at the hotel please visit the website: www.capitalhotel.co.uk

We were invited to review The Capital Hotel, all opinions are my own.