Last Updated on November 29, 2024
A Festive Retreat in Belgravia: Christmas Sparkles at The Hari
No matter how many years I’ve spent on this fine earth, I’m always surprised when, stepping out on a chilly November day, I’m greeted by the unmistakable buzz of the upcoming Christmas season. London is already aglow with twinkling lights and festive cheer, and so is The Hari in Belgravia – a 5-star boutique hotel nestled in the heart of this elegant London neighbourhood, just a stone’s throw from Knightsbridge and Hyde Park.
As you approach the entrance of this luxury, boutique-style hotel you’re welcomed by a beautiful display of festive greenery, Christmas trees, and sparkling lights. The warm invitation continues as you step into the Hari hotel’s design-led foyer, which exudes relaxed mid-century cool. Stylishly decorated Christmas trees and a festive postbox for children to send their Christmas wish lists directly to Father Christmas add a lovely seasonal touch!
The Hari has also transformed its Garden Terrace into a sparkling winter wonderland, adorned with gorgeous festive decorations by Atelier Emmanuel. Frost-touched foliage, traditional yule blooms, and a twinkling Christmas tree create a magical atmosphere. In the summer, I’m sure the retractable glass roof is fantastic, but now it’s tightly shut, and there are plenty of heaters that keep the space warm and cosy. Soft, clubby music sets the perfect mood, making it an ideal spot to enjoy the season in style.
We started with delicious nibbles and cocktails, each with its own distinct character. The Charlie Chaplin featured a blend of sloe gin, apricot brandy, and lime – a fruity yet slightly musty creation that my companion likened to the kind of drink you’d savour in a library, contemplative and refined. Meanwhile, the Naked and Famous lived up to its bold name, delivering a sophisticated, smoky profile that evoked the sensation of stepping onto dry land after a bracing skinny dip in the salty sea.
Cocktails were followed by dinner in the Hari hotel’s il Pampero restaurant, where a singer-guitarist played laid-back tunes. The staff, Angela and Sante, were full of charm and personality, welcoming us with great aplomb into this impossibly chic and stylish space. The restaurant is centred around a fabulous bar, with groovy black-and-white geometric floor tiles, glossy, deep, green-panelled walls, mirrors, brick, brass, and a selection of intriguing pictures adorning the walls. Cosy banquette window seats beckoned, with elegant tables set with white linen tablecloths -here, we settled in for the evening.
On the menu, you’ll find high-end classic Italian fare, offering a tempting selection of dishes and over the Christmas period they’ll be offering a range of specially curated festive and children’s menus, with an Italian spin.
For starters my companion enjoyed pepper-seared beef carpaccio – fresh and tender topped with pickled wild mushrooms, creamy ricotta, and a well-aged Parmesan.
As for my dish, the generous portion of high-quality, thinly sliced 24-month cured Parma ham was excellent, served alongside crisp parcels of “Gnocco Frito” the perfect crunchy complement to the soft and savoury ham.
We accompanied the meal with a fantastic bottle of Stella & Mosca, an elegant Sicilian white wine with notes of peach, citrus, chamomile, and minerals.
My companion speaks fluent Italian, having lived in Italy for many years, and was thrilled to spot Coniglio all’ischitana (Ischia-style rabbit) on the menu. She excitedly shared her memories of the last time she had it, about 12 years ago in Ischia. “It was served in a hot terracotta pot, drenched in fresh tomato sauce with the largest whole garlic bulb I’ve ever seen plonked right in the middle,” she recalled. She had been longing to taste it again ever since. Fortunately, she wasn’t disappointed by Il Pampero’s version, which was beautifully sweet, enriched by a rich tomato sauce, and accompanied by a creamy bed of polenta.
My Branzino e Zucchini featured a pan-roasted sea bass fillet, perfectly cooked and perched on a vibrant bed of green samphire, complemented by a silky courgette cream and tender clams. The dish was a beautiful balance of delicate flavours and textures. On the side delicious wispy and crispy courgette fries.
And then there was pudding .. we shouldn’t have but we did! Nocciolato – a rich chocolate and hazelnut laced sphere, and a tiramisu constructed at the table, with layers of sponge fingers, drenched in espresso the Italian liquor of your choice and topped with lashings of indulgent mascarpone cream and a fine sprinkling of chocolate.
A perfect ending to a lovely evening in this stunning hotel – the ideal spot to celebrate Christmas in the heart of Belgravia.
20 Chesham Place,
Belgravia
London
SW1X 8HQ
020 7858 0100
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