Seat with a view over Mayfair

You will, no doubt, be surprised to know it's not all doom and destruction in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Between them, the Prince of Wales and the Afghanistan president, Hamid Karzai, decided some of that war-ravaged, god-forsaken part of the world's rich architectural and cultural heritage should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

And if ever they find a solution to their problems and it becomes safe to take a stroll, especially through Murad Khane, the capital's “old city”, it will have been a worthwhile undertaking.

The Prince and the President colourfully called their effort The Turquoise Mountain Foundation, which I hadn't really thought a lot about until it leapt out of some research I was doing into some of London's grand hotels - in this case The Connaught.
Specifically my attention was drawn to the Mayfair establishment's latest accommodation addition, The Princes Lodge.

Your four-poster awaits at the Princes Lodge

A legend in its own right after a century of discreet elegance, The Connaught's owners, the Maybourne Hotel Group (they also have Claridges and The Berkeley) have just concluded a restoration project which cost more than the national debt. (It was their way of acknowledging the 21st century while jealously guarding their history and reputation for greatness.)

Designer Guy Oliver collaborated with that foundation in far-off Kabul to create The Princes Lodge in a style inspired by Kabul's 19th century Peacock Palace. This is the Foundation's first commercial venture, making maximum use of its artisans' hand-carving, pottery, adobe architecture, jewellery and glass making skills. Other Oliver-designed rooms and suites at The Connaught exude English ambience and contemporary design.

Guest Room 518 (The Princes Lodge) “boasts a hand-crafted approach”. The spaciousness is enhanced by a vaulted double-height ceiling with antique oak beams. Detailed oak panelling runs all around the perimeter and hand-carved solid walnut cabinetry and panelling demonstrates the Foundation's artisans' skills. This extends, too, to the beautiful suite of carved furniture including a plush four-poster bed carved in Kabul over 100 years ago. Vaulted window seats with carved peacocks and basket weave panels provide space to relax as you enjoy the view of Mayfair. The bar and dressing table are concealed behind early-carved 19th century-replica cabinets and “secret” doors in the panelling give way to intimate study. This is more of a private retreat than a hotel guestroom! A pair of French doors open wide to afford views of London.

Stylish living at The Lodge is Connaught-plus

The bathroom has a large double bath, double vanity and a separate white marble shower and steam room complete with marble bench seat. The inevitable (these days) flat screen TV is subtly placed so it does not invade the atmosphere.

Ask about the availability of Room 518 ahead of your next visit to London. Visit www.maybourne.com or email info@maybourne.com

. . . and on the way to London  

Check out the art at The Pawn

Hong Kong’s popular, contemporary British restaurant and bar/lounge, named for its former hock-shop status as The Pawn, has become a platform for the old colony's many art events.

In conjunction with ART HK 09, the Hong Kong International Art Fair, The Pawn won acclaim as a venue, while its sister property, a French-European brasserie called The Press Room, is currently exhibiting the M K Lau collection of works from 1945-80, illustrating the founding of The Peoples Republic of China and the cultural revolution.

The Pawn, in a restored heritage building in Johnston Road, Wanchai, aims to remain part of Hong Kong's vibrant art scene with programs of exhibitions by local and international artists and designers.

Hong Kong has potential to become a centre for creativity and the arts in Asia.

The Pawn occupies a row of historic Chinese shophouses dating back to 1888 and is named after former tenant, the Woo Cheong Pawnshop.

The Press Room brasserie pays homage to its history as home of the Overseas Chinese Daily News /Hua Qiao Daily newspaper in the 1920s.

It is creating a stable of restaurants, cafes and food shops in comfortable, informal settings serving top quality European food.