A regal new exhibition and a sustainable-focused cocktail menu; Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has plenty to offer beyond luxurious fixtures and fittings

Despite its storied name, The Churchill (or rather Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill as its officially known) is not a hotel that rests on its historical laurels. In the spirit of our former wartime PM, the five-star Portman Square address is forever a hive of activity; be it a revamped food and drink offering, the unveiling of a new themed terrace or – as is the case
currently – the launch of a new exhibition.

Timed to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, Churchill and The Crown is a unique photography exhibition that celebrates the special relationship between the Queen and the late, Sir Winston.

Created by the team at National Trust’s Chartwell – Churchill’s former home – the showcase will run for a limited period from May 24, offering guests an insight into two of the country’s most distinguished figures with a curated selection of archive photographs.

Theirs was an enduring friendship; the monarch ascended the throne in 1952 (in Churchill’s second term) and Winston became the PM she enjoyed meeting with the most.

During the free exhibition, guests can also savour in the celebrations with a champagne afternoon in the hotel’s Montagu Kitchen or enjoy a special Jubilee Brunch on June 5.

For something even more extravagant, the sprawling Churchill Residential Suite awaits. One of 50 suites in the 440-room hotel, this is its jewel in the crown with four bedrooms, a dining room that can seat 10, a suitably moody-hued study, killer terrace views and original pieces of Churchill’s artwork.

For added luxury without the hefty price tag, check out the Regency Club access; an eighth floor lounge with drinks, snacks and canapes from 5.30pm daily.

The real joy throughout is that the Churchillian nods are subtle and elegant, rather than the more pronounced namesake version of a well-known insurance company.

This is perhaps best illustrated in the renowned Churchill Bar&Terrace, which this month celebrates its 10th anniversary.

 

This remains one of the capital’s most stylish craft cocktail bars with bookshelves curated by Marylebone-based neighbours, Daunt Books, a selection of Churchill memorabilia from photographs to love letters, a year round terrace and a dynamic, constantly-changing cocktail list that plays lightly on the theme.

Its latest shines a light on sustainability; 12 new cocktails centred around 10 themes of environmental concern, such as The Swell, featuring Mermaid Gin – handcrafted on the Isle of Wight using ethically-sourced botanicals, and Be Hive, served in a unique beeswax cup to celebrate their integral role.

For low-key British seasonal fare, try The Montagu Kitchen or Michelin-starred Italian fine dining awaits at Locanda Locatelli. Such is the location – a short stroll from Oxford Street – that you are not short of alternative dining options either.

While guests may encounter the odd niggle (breakfast service needs ironing out for example), this gem in Marylebone remains true to its billing with plenty to inspire and much to admire.