Last Updated on January 1, 2025
Experience Churchill’s Legacy: Stay and Dine in Style
Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill is a beacon of 5-star luxury, perfectly situated on Portman Square, right in the heart of Marylebone – a neighbourhood that remains one of my favourite corners of central London. The hotel’s enviable position offers serene views over the leafy square, flanked by elegant townhouses that exude timeless charm. It’s an ideal base for exploring the city, with Hyde Park, landmarks, museums, and cultural treasures just a short stroll away. For shopping enthusiasts, this location is a dream, with Marylebone High Street’s chic boutiques, the charm of St Christopher’s Place, and Oxford Street’s retail buzz all within easy reach. And if you’re lucky enough to be a guest, you gain exclusive access to the private gardens of Portman Square, a rare oasis in the heart of London.
About Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill
The hotel greets you with a grand entrance and a marble-clad lobby, which, during my visit, had embraced the festive season with dazzlingly decorated Christmas trees adding a touch of seasonal magic. True to its name, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill pays homage to one of Britain’s greatest statesmen, Sir Winston Churchill, celebrated for his indomitable spirit and wartime leadership. A towering figure in British history, Churchill’s legacy is elegantly woven into the hotel’s design, from the herringbone carpets and carefully curated memorabilia to the artwork, all thoughtfully selected with input from Churchill’s family, offering a fitting nod to his remarkable life.
Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill opened in 1970, it effortlessly blends modern luxury with historic charm, celebrating its namesake in style. The hotel is currently marking Churchill’s 150th birthday, offering exclusive dining inspired by his favourite dishes, signature cocktails honouring key moments in his life, and refined in-room touches reflecting his iconic style. And in the lobby, you’ll have the chance to don Churchill’s iconic ensemble – think bowler hat, cane, and bowtie, the perfect Instagram-worthy moment.
Rooms and Suites at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill
The hotel offers 440 refined rooms and suites. Our King Bed with Regency Club Lounge access boasted a fantastic view overlooking the square, complete with seasonally lit tennis courts adding a festive touch.
The classically designed interiors were a serene blend of soft browns and beiges, with herringbone carpeting creating a cosy foundation. Thoughtful details included a sleek desk, a TV, a plush plum velvet reading chair, and a coffee table adorned with fresh flowers, a bottle of red wine, and a whimsical chocolate cigar.
The king-sized bed, dressed in luxurious linens, was topped with an adorable soft toy -presumably Churchill’s famed ginger cat, Jock. The stone-clad bathroom was equally impressive, stocked with indulgent amenities from Molton Brown and Pharmacopia, along with fluffy towelling robes that enhanced the pampered feel. However, the crème de la crème was the Japanese-style loo – novel and luxurious in equal measure. Other features included a mini-fridge kettle, a safe, Nespresso machine, and reliable WiFi.
Dining at the Montagu Kitchen
The Montagu Kitchen, the hotel’s modern British restaurant, offers a full culinary lineup, from breakfast and lunch to dinner, afternoon tea, and a classic Sunday roast. The space exudes contemporary elegance, with soaring high ceilings, sparkling conical chandeliers, and a vibrant turquoise bar. Deep, turquoise-upholstered chairs complement the open-plan design, while the sleek dark wood floors and seductive low lighting create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Large windows overlook Portman Square, adding a sense of openness, while the show kitchen adds an engaging touch to the dining experience.
For dinner, we dined from Churchill’s 150th birthday set menu, featuring selections from his personal chef Georgina Landemere’s cookbook and recipes from the Churchill archives. We started with Pommery Brut Royal Champagne, its lively bubbles and crisp apple notes setting the perfect tone.
Next, freshly baked sourdough, studded with sesame seeds and rosemary, served with a trio of dips – olive tapenade, oil and balsamic vinegar, and umami miso butter. On the side, meaty Gordal olives and crispy macaroni croquettes, gooey and cheesy inside with a Parmesan-spiced crunch.
To start Crab Omaha – a tribute to Omaha Beach, with Devein crab, egg, cucumber, tomato, and crisp sourdough, all brought together by a rich mayonnaise finish. The Page 48 Salad was a vibrant mix of celery, apple, and beetroot, topped with caramelized pecans and a light apple cider dressing—crisp, fresh, and balanced.
On to our mains – the Tournedos Rossini featured a tender beef fillet topped with foie gras, velvety fondant potatoes, black truffle jus, and smoky broccoli -luxuriously rich and perfectly cooked.
The Wild Sea Bass “Francillon” was served with anchovy butter, creamy mash, and Provençal sauce. The fish was flaky and flavourful, and the mash was indulgently smooth – an expertly balanced dish. We paired the meal with a 2022 Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis – young, fresh, and mineral.
Finally, we ended with Crêpe Suzette, one of Churchill’s favourite desserts – soft, buttery pancakes with crushed hazelnuts and a delicate orange sauce, the perfect sweet finish.
You won’t go hungry at Hyatt Regency – breakfast is served buffet style, offering a wide array of fresh fruits, juices, pastries, yoghurts, cheeses, hot dishes, and additional options to order. Dinner is also available at Locanda Locatelli, a Michelin-starred restaurant within the hotel, where you can enjoy exquisite Italian fare.
Churchill Bar & Terrace
I’ve visited the hotel several times before, often enjoying cocktails at the lovely Churchill Bar & Terrace, which was closed on the night of my recent visit for a private event. However, I would still recommend a visit, especially to the outdoor Winter Terrace, inspired by the elegance of Chartwell’s 1920s and 1930s gardens. With twinkling lights, vintage décor, and lush greenery, it offers a welcoming atmosphere year-round, complete with heaters and cosy blankets. In tribute to Churchill, the bar features a limited-edition winter cocktail crafted with Hine Cognac – a favourite at Chartwell House. This unique drink replicates Churchill’s beloved cake and offers rich, indulgent flavours, so for a taste of history be sure to stop by.
I had a wonderful stay at Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. It is a refined and elegant haven in the heart of London, perfect for discerning guests who, like Churchill, appreciate the finer things in life.