On the northeastern edge of Grosvenor Square, where the tranquility of gardens meets the subtle hum of North Audley Street, Broadwick Soho stands as a vision in white Portland stone, exuding an air of imposing grandeur. The doorman, donned in a camel-colored cape, shares laughter with colleagues, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The marble-floored lobby, redolent of churchy frankincense, greets guests with a row of staff impeccably dressed in Charlie Casely-Hayford suits, offering a warm welcome reminiscent of old friends. Led by the chattiest staff member, we ascend to our room, adorned with suggestive wallpaper that hints at the setting of a decadent Freudian dream. A pervasive friendliness permeates the velveteen quality of the space, evoking the ambiance of a louche Parisian hideaway rather than conforming to the typical classifications of Hoxton or Heritage pigeonholes.

The Backstory:

Once an Edwardian manor house, this residential gem has undergone a transformation into a 31-room hotel and member's club under the stewardship of former Blakes owner Navid Mirtorabi and his business partner Jamie Reuben, scion of the Mayfair-owning Reuben family. Interior designer Natalia Miyar, known for her residential projects, has bestowed the place with a sensual makeover, showcasing a rich palette of blues and reds, paying homage to 18th-century France while embracing tactile modern luxury. Managing director Darius Namdar, with a background at Chiltern Firehouse, Mark's Club, and Annabel's, injects a sense of crisp confidence into the establishment. The result is a refreshing evolution of posh Mayfair, unencumbered by the traditional trappings, exemplified by the absence of a black-and-white photo of Mick Jagger.

The Rooms:

Broadwick Soho's rooms, characterized by understated plushness, are painted in an elegant blue that leans towards the sensual side of Edwardian aesthetics. Bathrooms are tiled in crisp black-and-white, featuring Pierre Frey fabrics, black rotary dial phones, and enticing minibars stocked with 2014 Napa Valley Mt Brave, Diplomatico rum, You + I kombucha, and Charbonnel et Walker truffles. Gowns and slippers, with smart blue trims, bear the quietly cool branding of The Twenty Two. Various suites, like the Terrace Suite, dial up the luxury, with a red and black scheme nodding to Napoleonic uniforms and Christian Dior's Parisian apartment. The Art Studio, our chosen cocoon, immerses guests in a libidinous floral setting with Mughal-inspired wallpaper, nude pencil drawings, and an air of fabulous expense, making it arguably the sexiest room in London.

Food and Drink:

Former Arbutus chef Alan Christie orchestrates a symphony of modern British notes in the blue mod-Edwardian dining room. From langoustines in seaweed butter to classic Dover sole and a grass-fed steak reminiscent of foie gras, the culinary experience is excellent in an unobtrusive manner. Noteworthy is the vibrant atmosphere on our Friday night visit, shortly after the hotel's opening, as the restaurant buzzes with patrons exuding a bohemian flair. The low-lit member's cocktail bar on the other side of the lobby, offering the Serendip Champagne cocktail, continues the trend, staffed by females in halter-neck jumpsuits. The basement Music Room elevates the experience, with louche red velvet, an indoor-outdoor bar for smokers, and a model-esque DJ spinning pumping house music.

The Neighborhood:

Grosvenor Square, one of the country's most expensive addresses, radiates genteel loveliness with its oval gardens, offering a serene buffer from the hustle of Oxford Street. For those seeking quintessential heritage hedonism, London's iconic institutions like Scott's, Le Gavroche, and Annabel's are discreetly scattered around the neighborhood.

The Service:

The most striking aspect of The Twenty Two is undoubtedly its service. Emanating easy charm and possessing impressive CVs, the staff, led by GM Darius Namdar, maintains a delicate balance between friendliness and professionalism. From doorman Darvin, a seasoned professional from Dukes, The Beaumont, and the Mandarin Oriental, to the rest of the team, there's a clear understanding that excellent service doesn't necessitate stifling formality. The little touches are thoughtfully executed, seamlessly bridging generational divides, offering a service experience that feels just right. Whether it's a choice between a beanie or a flat cap or the seamless transition from a broadsheet to a Melbourne-standard flat white, The Twenty Two exemplifies service that is both attentive and contemporary.