Secret - At Sloane

Location No.06

Undiscovered Chelsea.

Welcome to one of Sloane Square's best kept secrets... Hidden within this sophisticated part of London, is Sloane Square's most delightful hotel.

Welcome to 'At Sloane', an exclusive and private home-feel hotel, giving an exclusive feeling of a private members club.

Greeted by the friendly host, at this beautiful nineteenth-century red-brick London property. I was curious and excited to discover the hotel's mystery.

Making our way through what almost felt like a private dining room, with a long grand dinner table, cloud painted celling and a strikingly beautiful red and black tiled floor, we then enter a small lift with subtle lighting, heading up to the top floor.

The lift took us to the hotel's 'secret restaurant'.

On exiting the lift, I immediately entered a bright collection of rooms filled with natural daylight, decorated by designer François-Joseph Graf, who also designed for the famous brand Valentino. The decor was energising and a mix of different patterns and colour pallets, so very complimentary and tastefully put together. In a recent interview, Françios talked about how his goals were "to create stain-glass windows throughout, not to stop the light getting in, but to protect you from the outside world".

The restaurant was divided up into smaller areas and alcoves of only two to four tables, creating a cosy atmospheric layout. I took a seat in the corner of one of the small rooms, admiring the elegantly quirky details and decor.

The menus were written in French and showed an extensive champagne list. I was then presented with freshly baked warm soft olive bread and French baguettes, while I awaited my order.

The Jerusalem artichoke and haricot vert salad, was light and refreshing. Wonderful crispy caramelised aubergine, burrata, watercress, with sun-dried tomatoes in a balsamic glaze, then followed.

My favourite dish of all, was a sea-bass tartar, which was incredibly fresh and zesty with a slight kick from the chilli, garnished with lime, coriander and decorated with vibrant beautiful edible flowers.

The hotel has 30 rooms, an underground bar with a separate entrance on Holbein Place and even a secret passage leaving one of the hotel rooms through the wardrobe. Old black and white photographs of the rich and famous who once visited, adorned the walls around the winding staircase, filling the walls with untold stories and tales.

With limited information online about this hidden secret restaurant and with no signs outside, most passers-by are totally unaware of this hidden gem.

' At Sloane', The perfect place for a weekend lunch in the City.

1 SLOANE GARDEN MANSIONS

LONDON SW1W 8EA

ENGLAND