Deco Deluxe

As you walk up to The Beaumont, you get the undeniable sense that the building before you holds remarkable stories. Originally designed in 1926 by Wimperis and Simpson (of Fortnum & Mason fame) as the first car park for Selfridges customers, ambition defined the architecturally-protected property from the start. The elaborate white stone façade was already recognised as influential at the time, with the RIBA including the building in its 1927 Exhibition of Modern Architecture.

In 2014, London’s hospitality legend Jeremy King (behind Le Caprice, The Wolseley and many more iconic restaurants) transformed the site into an independent 5-star hotel further playing on the building’s impression of housing an intriguing narrative. King dreamt up a fictional persona, James Beaumont, naming the hotel after him and basing each decision from interior details to books, art and menu options on his imaginary taste.

The story goes that Mister Beaumont fled prohibition in America to seek his fortune in London, bringing with him an aesthetic that confidentially merges New York flair with grand European settings. And so, it is comforting to see that when the new owners embarked on an extensive refurbishment three years ago – adding 29 new rooms by extending into the former home of US Naval Intelligence next door – this vision remained core.

Thierry Despont was brought on board to evolve the hotel design with contemporary comforts in keeping with its nostalgic glamour. For him, The Beaumont should exemplify the notion of a boutique hotel as a club. Sadly, Despont passed away before the renovation was complete, but his sophisticated signature is evident throughout: a rich colour palette of ochre and blue in the new rooms, atmospheric lighting, fabric covered walls to soften the spaces and marble bathrooms. Bespoke furnishings nod to the property’s Art Deco roots with stepped edges, brass or antique bronze trims and an abundance of high-gloss wood surfaces, including mahogany, walnut and cherry wood in the Roosevelt suite.

The biggest achievement is how consistent the design language feels. Considering the different high-profile personalities involved with The Beaumont’s design over the years, it is reassuring how visual codes crossing Art Deco, mid-century and contemporary styles all chime at once. The Office of Thierry Despont mixed custom-made furniture with restored antiques and reupholstered originals, making the pieces almost indistinguishable. And the hallways’ shiny chequerboard floors are a striking feature that marry the two buildings in a flawless way. 

Amid renovation, many new elements have been incorporated into the building, as well as a switch-around of some key rooms. The former central bar has been moved to the side of the lobby, making way for an Afternoon Tea gallery. The entire Art Collection has been lovingly curated and updated to include new local talent, such as Eleanor Lakelin and Halima Cassell, two young British female sculptors and a specific London commission by Nicola Green. 

There are new private dining rooms, too, and the £1m refurbishment of the Roosevelt suite boosts custom-made chandeliers, Venetian glass mirrors and walls covered in a brick-red Loro Piana fabric – not to the mention the impressive terrace, overlooking Mayfair’s Brown Harts Garden square.

And yet, you wouldn’t be surprised to bump into Mister Beaumont at the bar.