Five star hotels are two a penny in London but luckily, at Sunday Woman, we’re here to help you identify which VIP vault is best suited to you. If it so happens that you’re looking to be captivated a blend of by Indian culture, hospitality and cuisine then The Lalit is definitely the place for you.
About…
Six years in the making, this transformed Grammar School is the epitome of luxury and grandeur that captures the very essence of India. The hotel is a tranquil, relaxed and welcoming oasis and workers show themselves as knowledgeable swans. Nothing is too much effort, no question is too tough to answer and you’ll never see them frantic – which helps keeps the atmosphere blissful.
Where am I….
Look one way and you’ll see the Shard, look the other and you’ll be catching the Tower of London and the breathing bridge itself. The Lalit is a Grade II listed gem and can be found on Tooley Street, a short walk from Tower Bridge tube station and directly next to Potter’s Field Park (if you’re lucky, you might even get a room with a view of the park itself!).
Once I’m inside….
It’s easy to forget you’re in Central London once you step through the doors of The Lalit as you’re immediately engulfed in a pan Indian experience. Steeped in history, the building still has the original wood, art and plaster work for you to pour over and it would be no hard task to spend hours looking around and learning about the history and transformation of the building.
There are little touches of wonder at every point of your journey through the hotel which only add to the VIP experience. These splashes of decadence include drinks on arrival, a speedy concierge service, a cognac bar, a thriving cocktail bar and a Food and Beverage Director on hand to help with every query.
Where I sleep….
Each of these 70 rooms is unique in its appearance and design and can be classed as an indulgent Indian hideaway, with the top floor rooms having 30ft high ceilings. Full of modern, state of the art appliances (all we’ll say is a bidet is SO last year…), queen sized beds, hand embroidered silks on the headboard, heated floors and champagne waiting on ice, you could quite easily ignore the ‘delights’ of the tempting tourist areas and instead indulge in the Indian atmosphere around you.
Where I eat….
Ditch Trip Advisor or the restaurants recommended to you by word of mouth, dinner should only be consumed at Baluchi, the fine dining restaurant located in the Grand Hall of the building (and we don’t use the world ‘grand’ fleetingly!) With a vaulted ceiling, chandeliers, original wooden flooring and the rich, opulent colours, the Grand Hall is certainly the piece de resistance of The Lalit and you can’t help but gasp when you walk in, finding yourself encapsulated by the atmosphere and decor. But that’s enough about the ambience….
The food itself takes its influences from pan – India – meaning the inspiration is felt from every corner of the country – and exotic and vibrant dishes include Paan ki Biryani (basmati rice with vegetables, betel leaves & rose petals); Suroor e Shorba (Keralan style lobster bisque, coconut & cognac); Gilafi Pheasant Ki Seekh (minced pheasant breast, peppers, chicken liver rillettes, crushed fenugreek crumble). The Lalit has also introduced a unique and original concept to its offering whereby a cast iron tandoor is used to prepare a selection of artisan Indian breads from age-old recipes.
Where I relax….
If you’re not feeling content and relaxed enough from the hotel itself (we challenge you to NOT feel it…) the award winning Rejuve – The Spa offering ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, natural therapies, patented colour healing and yoga.
Should I stay at the Lalit?
If money isn’t a boundary on your next getaway break and you’re looking for something a little different and a little more immersive, The Lalit should definitely be on your go-to list. After just ten minutes and being greeted by ‘Namaskar’ in soothing, calm tones, you’ll feel like Indian royalty and will forget the hustle, bustle and harshness of the busy Capital outside.
The Nitty Gritty
Prices start from: £230 per night
