This year, our festive story is inspired by the enchanting
world of The Nutcracker.
In E.T.A. Hoffmann’s original story, magical adventures await as Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives on Christmas Eve with an intriguing gift for his niece Clara. That night, she and her enchanted Nutcracker battle with the Mouse King before a magical visit to The Sugar Plum Fairy in The Kingdom of Sweets.
To mark the iconic Christmas classic’s 130th anniversary we bring the characters to London’s cultured, independent hotel in a festive fantasyland. Clara and her Nutcracker, Uncle Drosselmeyer, the Mouse King and the Sugar Plum Fairy have taken up residence with an invitation to guests to take a little time to explore and find them.
At the beating heart of our hotel is the Lobby Bar which has a ceiling full of golden and white stars and a seven-metre tall tulle-covered tree. Soaring to the ceiling, this is our resident florist, Mark Siredzuk’s twinkling tribute to the ethereal beauty of ballet – a nod to the dancers who will be treading the boards at the nearby Royal Opera House this Christmas.
We hope you will be able to join us in Covent Garden this year for a very special season of celebration.
A Festive Toast
For the best view, take a stool at the bar and sip a colourful cocktail from a list of five drinks crafted to celebrate the characters of the well-known story.
Which will tempt you? The Nutcracker – a golden, ginger blend for the handsome soldier, The Mouse King – a fruity twist on the Manhattan or The Sugar Plum Fairy – a sparkling toast fit for an enchanted fairy?
Nutcracker Tea
Executive Chef Dominic Teague has been inspired by the sublime confections of the Land of Sweets to create a festive afternoon tea. Served in Indigo on Saturdays and Sundays, teatime is a celebration of seasonal flavours and delicate pastries. Atop the tea stand you’ll find a crisp white chocolate and coconut snowball, a winter spiced plum mousse and a hazelnut dacquoise with chocolate ganache, alongside scrumptious scones and savouries.
Win a Stay
We also extend an invitation to you to find the five characters which are hidden throughout our website.
Locate each of them and complete our entry form to put your name into a prize draw to win a One Aldwych winter stay in one of our suites.
Keep an eye on our Instagram page for helpful hints. Good luck in your search!
