I have a secret to share. There’s a hidden treasure deep in the bustling heart of historic Chelsea. And it’s in the guise of the fabulous Fuji Grill tucked away in the luxurious elegance of the Beaverbrook Townhouse. The urban sister of Beaverbrook, Surrey now brings its British charm and modern Japanese cuisine to central London.
Two immaculately restored Georgian townhouses sit in prime position on Sloane Street overlooking leafy Cadogan Gardens. This boutique hotel epitomises luxury, and as soon as we walk through the door we feel like we’ve been transported to a different world. It’s a world of glitz and glamour, with exotic cocktails and exceptional plates of food all waiting to be devoured.
We begin our evening in the chic sophistication of Sir Frank’s Bar, named after Beaverbrook’s creative director. It’s a dazzling Art-Deco-inspired setting with glossy lacquered walls, stained glass, leather-lined booths, and giant bar stools that seem to beckon us toward them. Behind the bar the skilled mixologists create their uniquely delectable cocktails, with signature ones named after theatre productions (the hotel’s rooms are named after London theatres). My Top Hat (a combination of tequila, apricot liqueur, chilli, lime and champagne) wins my vote for the cocktail of the year (so far). It’s hard to leave the sanctuary that is Sir Frank’s, but we can’t sit drinking cocktails all night, there’s food to be sampled.
The Fuji Grill sits at the back of the hotel and is a homage to Japanese design and flavours. The delicate and beautifully presented sashimi, sushi and nigiri can be ordered by the piece – a great idea as it means you can sample more dishes. There’s also a selection of small plates and tempura to start with. If hot dishes are more to your liking, mains include fish and meat from the charcoal robata grill. We enjoyed the dry-aged rib-eye with onsen yolk and wasbi and the Welsh lamb cutlets with Korean chilli spice.
There are also some unexpected dessert surprises to come – like the dish described as egg and soldiers. The egg is made from chocolate, filled with lime mousse and mango yolk and served with caramelised brioche soldiers. It looks like breakfast but tastes like pudding – a clever and delicious way to scramble the senses, and yet another bit of Beaverbrook magic.
Because this is a magical place. One that brings a real escape from the bustle of those charming, yet crowded, Chelsea streets. The welcome is warm, the setting is fabulously stylish and the food is unforgettable. And don’t forget those cocktails, there’s a tempting list of them still waiting to be tried. But don’t tell everyone, I’d kind of like it to remain something of a secret haven that we can share between us.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith
