On a corner of the Grosvenor Square Hotel, in the space that used to store guest luggage, is a hidden gem of a bar called…The Luggage Room. Designed by Fabled Studio, the interior is inspired by classic luggage trunk details and the infamous Bentley Boys of the 1920’s who won the Le Mans race and were renowned for their all night parties on Grosvenor Square.
This is the kind of space that you just need to see in person to appreciate, its so full of thoughtful details and references to the history of the space that I’m sure these photos don’t do it justice.
Tom Strother, Design Director of Fabled Studio says of the space; “Crafted to charm and delight our Mayfair bar has a nod towards the nostalgia for the past with its feet firmly in the present.”
I must say, I think they’ve executed their intent perfectly, and I now must add this to the growing number of places to visit on my next visit to London!
The finish of the upper walls is somewhat visible here, they have been lined with silk moire, a material that was historically used to line the inside of trunks from Louis Vuitton and Moynat. What is not so visible unfortunately is the lower walls have a leather dado, and below that a custom embossed and screen printed leather with aged timber ribs, inspired by the protective exterior carcass of old luggage trunks.
All of the furniture was custom designed and made for the space; each of the tables have the initials of one of the Bentley Boys monogrammed on them in the style of luggage monograms. The metal window screens are inspired by vintage Bentley radiator grilles.
The bar back is crafted from Sapele wood with dusky pink silk velvet and satin ribbon diamond recesses – reminiscent of the Goyard trunks that are plain on the outside but explode with colour on the inside, giving you an unexpected suprise when opened.
