The Chancery Rosewood: London’s Newest Grand Address
Few hotel openings have generated as much excitement in London’s luxury hospitality scene as The Chancery Rosewood, which officially opened in September 2025.
As both an interior designer and someone with a passion for exceptional hospitality, The Chancery Rosewood had been at the very top of my must-visit list since it opened. Housed within one of London’s most iconic buildings, it promised not only beautiful design but also a fascinating story waiting to be discovered.
Having previously experienced the exquisite Chelsea in Bloom Afternoon Tea at Jacqueline, Margaret and I knew we wanted to include this remarkable new hotel as one of the highlights of this year’s Kitchen Chat®: A Taste of Luxury, History and Hospitality. We were excited to return, this time not simply as visitors, but as overnight guests, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in everything The Chancery Rosewood has to offer.
Occupying one of London’s most recognisable buildings on Grosvenor Square, the hotel is housed within the former United States Embassy. Designed by renowned Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and completed in 1960, the Grade II-listed landmark served as the American Embassy for nearly six decades before diplomatic operations moved to Nine Elms, allowing this iconic building to begin an extraordinary new chapter.
Rather than simply converting the building into a luxury hotel, its custodians have carefully preserved Saarinen’s iconic modernist architecture while thoughtfully reimagining the interiors for contemporary hospitality. The transformation was led by Sir David Chipperfield in collaboration with ReardonSmith Architects, while celebrated French interior designer Joseph Dirand created interiors that feel effortlessly elegant, combining warm natural stone, bronze detailing, rich timbers and beautifully layered textures that honour the building’s distinguished heritage while introducing a refined residential feel.
As an interior designer, I found myself completely captivated. Everywhere I looked, there was another thoughtful design detail waiting to be discovered. The proportions of the public spaces, the carefully curated furnishings, the lighting, the craftsmanship and the restrained colour palette all work together to create an atmosphere that feels quietly luxurious rather than ostentatious. It is sophisticated, timeless and wonderfully understated. The Chancery Rosewood doesn’t shout for attention; it quietly impresses through impeccable craftsmanship and beautifully considered design.
Our room continued that same design story. Rich walnut timbers, beautifully veined natural stone, bronze accents and tactile fabrics created a sense of warmth and understated elegance. Every detail felt intentional, from the bespoke furniture and carefully considered lighting to the craftsmanship of the cabinetry and the luxurious marble bathroom. Rather than following fleeting trends, the interiors possess a timeless quality that allows the building’s architectural heritage to remain the true focal point. It is a space that feels both refined and wonderfully calming, where contemporary luxury and thoughtful design coexist in perfect harmony.
From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the team, whose genuine hospitality immediately made us feel at home.
Travelling with George and Lulu, I was delighted to discover just how dog-friendly the hotel is. The dogs were welcomed with beautifully prepared beds waiting in our room and, for me, one of the telltale signs that a hotel truly understands travelling with dogs, each received two bowls, one for food and one for water. It is a simple gesture, but one that speaks volumes.
Better still, hotel guests travelling with small, well-behaved dogs are welcome to accompany their owners in several of the hotel’s dining venues, allowing them to be very much part of the stay. During our visit, George and Lulu joined us for afternoon tea at Jacqueline, breakfast at Serra, and evening cocktails at the spectacular rooftop Eagle Bar.
Perched high above Grosvenor Square, Eagle Bar takes its name from the building’s original gilded eagle sculpture that has crowned the former U.S. Embassy since 1960. Today, that remarkable piece of history overlooks one of London’s most elegant rooftop destinations, where panoramic views across the Mayfair skyline provide the perfect setting to end the day with a cocktail while reflecting on this extraordinary hotel’s fascinating journey from diplomatic landmark to luxury destination.
No visit for Margaret and me would ever be complete without afternoon tea, so we happily returned to Jacqueline.
We were delighted to discover that the beautiful Chelsea in Bloom Afternoon Tea, which we had first enjoyed during Chelsea Flower Show week in May, had been extended due to its overwhelming popularity. Since then, Jacqueline has deservedly received international recognition, being named La Liste’s World’s Best Afternoon Tea 2026, while also receiving an Award of Excellence at the Afternoon Tea Awards, accolades that feel entirely fitting.
The afternoon tea is the creation of Executive Pastry Chef Marius Dufay, whose artistry and creativity shine through every exquisite pastry.
We were especially delighted to meet Marius during our visit and hear first-hand about the inspiration behind his creations. His passion, precision and meticulous attention to detail are reflected in every course, making the experience as memorable as it is delicious.
Following our previous afternoon tea visit in May, I had the pleasure of meeting Arleen Ouzounian, founder of Nazani Tea. Her passion for botanical infusions was inspiring, so during this stay we took the opportunity to sit down together and record a Kitchen Chat® podcast.
Listening to Arleen share her journey, philosophy, and the craftsmanship behind each carefully selected infusion added an entirely new dimension to our appreciation of afternoon tea. Infusions, we discovered, are every bit as nuanced and expressive as fine wine, with every blend telling its own story.
The following morning we enjoyed breakfast at Serra, another beautifully designed dining venue within the hotel, before reluctantly checking out.
Our stay at The Chancery Rosewood was far more than a stay in one of London’s newest luxury hotels. It was a journey through architecture, design, history, exceptional hospitality, world-class afternoon tea and inspiring conversation. As both an interior designer and someone who loves travelling with dogs, it was everything I had hoped for, and so much more.
The Chancery Rosewood is at 30 Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K, London
