What did you miss most about The Savoy?
The people, and by “people” I mean both our team and our guests. We’re blessed to have a stunning, historic building with luxurious interiors, but it’s the personalities, the charm and the energy of both my colleagues and our guests that I’m really missing. Ultimately, it is the soul of The Savoy I am missing at this moment.
Best compliment you’ve received from a guest?
There are too many to choose from but what I really like to hear is guests mentioning our colleagues by name for the outstanding service they’ve provided. This is what makes me proud as a hotel manager, that our team has been able to make that emotional connection with our guests and has helped create really happy memories.
Babcock peaches, Kingsdown still, blooms and a hand-written hello made for a refreshing welcome in our suite.
Favourite meal at The Savoy?
I think my absolute favourite meal is a roast lunch at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand; it’s delicious meat served by our master carver from the historic “trolley” and accompanied by all the traditional trimmings. It’s quintessentially British fare, expertly cooked, in a stunning, historic setting.
Simpson’s-in-the-Strand (established in 1828) where trimmings include buttered Savoy cabbage, dripping roast potatoes and Bramley apple sauce. Clever clogs will save room for the Mint Choc Chip Baked Alaska.
You’re at The American Bar – what are you having?
From our Savoy Songbook menu I would choose “Electric Lover.” The whole menu is inspired by music and Electric Lover is inspired by Prince’s Purple Rain. The menu takes guests on a clever flavour journey which allows you to define what drinks will best suit your preferences and, for me, this one ticks all the boxes.
Your go-to spa treatment?
The Savoy Signature Treatment. It’s a two-hour treatment that is indulgent and personalised from head to toe – including a massage and a tailor-made facial. You feel so relaxed afterwards, it’s sheer bliss!
Favourite room?
I love the Savoy Suite. The views over The Thames are magnificent, and I think the design is really beautiful – it respects our history and heritage and yet is contemporary. It has a private bar, two spacious seating areas and the most fabulous bathroom, alongside a restful master bedroom with dressing room. The suite is light-filled and has an understated glamour that I really like.
The fresh and unfussy Savoy Suite, a cocoon-like haven with comforts of the decorative and practical varieties.
Most eccentric request?
We once had a guest ask us to courier over tea cakes from a specific deli in New York in time for their arrival. It was quite a last-minute request, but we got them in time!
What’s one thing most people might not know about The Savoy?
During the second world war, to ensure the hotel guests had fresh eggs, The Savoy bought and tended to its own flock of chickens. We don’t have them anymore, but our eggs are always fresh!
You can’t visit London and not…
…be impressed by the variety of experiences to be enjoyed just a stone’s throw from The Savoy. Take a boat trip on The Thames, enjoy the boutiques and buzz of Covent Garden, head to Soho for restaurants and nightlife or towards the Inns of Court to discover where justice has been done for centuries. There is history, entertainment and deliciousness ’round every corner.
Describe The Savoy in five words.
Beautiful, warm, welcoming, indulgent – and fun!
The Savoy seen from The Thames.
If you’d like to know more about The Savoy, see my November 21, 2018 blog entry (my very first!) for a review.
