This fun, Kit Kemp designed hotel in South Kensington (sister hotel to fabulously flamboyant The Gore) is perfectly placed for fashion lovers, with the V&A, Sloane Street, Harvey Nichols and Harrods all being nearby. But best of all, they've partnered up with vintage maven Tara Munro to offer guests vintage fashion-themed weekends.
On the weekend of the 27-29 November, The Pelham will offer complimentary Ooh La La! Vintage fashion master classes, make-up sessions and other nostalgic surprises when you book in for afternoon tea or a vintage stay.
Tara Munro is a Frock Me! regular and her business Ooh La La! Vintage has an amazing selection of vintage available online (starting from just £5) along with the bespoke dressmaking service Madame Tra La La (reinterpreting vintage for those of us who aren't a retro size 8). Most of her stock is sourced from Paris, where she now lives.
We booked ourselves in for a vintage-themed stay at The Pelham last spring, complete with afternoon tea and a master class with Tara. Happily ensconced in one of the Pelham's delightfully decorated event rooms, we sipped champagne and nibbled cakes as Tara's lilting Scottish burr told us the history of vintage fashion, how to tell the tat from the treasure, and how to care for our vintage finds.
Tara can also whiz you to the not-so-far Portobello Market or Alfie's Antique Market in Marylebone. This indoor market offers vintage galore, including legendary shop The Girl Can't Help It. Wander up to the top floor and Tara will introduce you to the gals behind Nina's Hair Parlour, who can set your hair into a '40s victory roll or do your make-up to retro perfection. She can also give you haggling tips.?
The hotel?
But before you do all that, make sure you get some serious me-time in The Pelham. This boutique hotel is an absolute treat to stay in. The design is a mix of modern and antique, with the overall effect being chic, fun and sexy. Beds are huge and comfortable. They get bonus points for Aveda products in the bathroom and Frette bed linen (our favourite).
The hotel's restaurant, Bistro Fifteen is decked out with turquoise chairs and bright pink walls, and is popular with both locals and guests alike. Mains include spiced monkfish with pea puree and smoked artichoke, or braised free-range pork belly with glazed baby vegetables, apple and vanilla.
To book?
A vintage weekend at The Pelham starts from £180 (plus VAT) for a double room. Vintage experiences start from £50 per person and can include: a vintage master class with Tara, personal shopping, tea for two and a visit to Victoria & Albert Museum. Guests booking into The Pelham during the weekend of the 27-29 November, will also be entitled to a complimentary vintage master class.
For reservations email reservations@pelhamhotel.co.uk or ring 020 7589 8288. For more information on Ooh La La! Vintage visit www.oohlalavintage.com. ??
The Pelham, 15 Cromwell Place, London SW7 2LA www.pelhamhotel.co.uk
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