Those visiting London for the Coronation weekend, 6–8 May, can experience a series of themed events and activities at luxury hotels throughout the capital.
The Dorchester
To commemorate the Coronation of HM King Charles III, the façade of the famed London landmark hotel, The Dorchester, is currently festooned with decorations reminiscent of those used for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. The original decorations were created by British stage set designer Oliver Messel, who also designed a luxury suite within the hotel that remains today. Dramatic draping across the balconies is designed to emulate the interior of a theatre seen from the stage. The hotel is also hosting a special royal-themed afternoon tea in The Promenade over the long weekend; while a Sovereign Martini, inspired by the King’s favourite drink, is being served at the recently renovated Vesper Bar. On Coronation day, an open-air lunch will be served on the hotel rooftop to watch the Red Arrows Flypast.
The Goring
The Goring, set in London’s upscale Belgravia neighbourhood, is the only hotel to have been granted a Royal Warrant for hospitality services by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and has been a favourite of several members of the royal family. It is hosting several themed culinary experiences to commemorate King Charles III’s ascension to the throne, including a Coronation-themed afternoon tea and a limited-edition, plant-based tasting menu by head chef Graham Squire. The Coddled Clarence Court egg is the chef’s take on one of His Majesty’s favourite dishes and includes a decadent truffle mayo and a fine herb salad with truffle vinaigrette. The afternoon tea will be served 28 April–28 May in the Veranda, overlooking a lush garden and accompanied by a glass of Bollinger Champagne; while the tasting menu will be served in the David Linley-designed Dining Room, 1–7 May.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London
Overlooking Hyde Park in leafy Knightsbridge, Mandarin Oriental is offering a special package and several culinary-themed experiences over the following weeks to commemorate the coronation. A Very Royal Occasion package (available 1–31 May) includes a stay in a luxurious suite, a welcome amenity, two luxurious breakfasts, a four-course ‘Royal Cooking’ lunch or dinner for two at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, a Highgrove Hamper with tea and preserves, and a mini-bottle of Laphroaig whisky. It is priced from £4,000 including VAT (approximately AUD$7,440).
At the hotel’s two-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal restaurant, guests can experience a menu of dishes that were served at British Coronation banquets throughout the years; while in The Rosebery, a Coronation Afternoon Tea is being offered in partnership with Highgrove – the private residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and The Queen Consort. At the hotel bars, guests can sample three different whisky cocktails in partnership with Laphroaig — His Majesty’s favourite malt whisky — and, on 7 May, 5:00–6:00 pm, those walking by the Ballroom entrance can collect a Coronation lollipop.
The Savoy
This iconic London hotel has partnered with English sparkling wine producer, Nyetimber, on a Coronation offering, where guests can experience tastings and culinary experiences aboard Nyetimber’s 1968 Routemaster Bus, which will be parked in Savoy Court over the bank holiday weekend. A street party with entertainment will be held on 6 May, and for the whole month of May, The Savoy’s front hall will be transformed into an English garden, while Thames Foyer will be the site of a royal afternoon tea.
