If you’ve always fancied hopping into a time machine and hotfooting it back to the oh-so enticing era of glitz and glamour; you might want to listen up. Although I unfortunately can’t help you in the time machine department; I can point you in the direction of an elegantly extravagant escape, right here in the capital city, that’ll do a similar job.
Oozing opulence and dripping in decadence, L’oscar is a beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Bloomsbury. Mere moments from the hustle and bustle of London’s West End; this historic hotel has recently teamed up with the theatrical folk over at The Great Gatsby musical to bring the ultimate Gatsby Escape to the capital city.
I mean, it’s a match made in heaven, if you really think about it. They’re both daring, dazzling, decadent, and ever so dramatic. The Gatsby Escape is an experience that’ll appeal to theatre-enthusiasts, literary-lovers, and – quite honestly – everyone in between. And let me tell you this for free: even if I’d been invited to attend one of Gatsby’s legendary parties myself; I’d probably still have chosen to spend the evening at L’oscar instead. That’s how blooming wonderful it was.
L’oscar London
Having been built at some point between 1901-1903, the building in which L’oscar is located certainly has some stories to tell. It was constructed in an innovative style that was later coined as ‘Edwardian Free Baroque’, and it was once used as the London headquarters for the Baptist Church. Boasting high ornate ceilings, carved fireplaces, oak paneling, big old windows, and plush furnishings; L’oscar is sumptuous, swanky and timelessly sophisticated. L’ocsar opened its doors as a hotel back in 2018, offering 39 jaw-droppingly gorgeous rooms, an elegant restaurant, and three beautiful event spaces.
The Gatsby Escape
Now, whilst I’m sure a regular night spent at L’oscar is enjoyable; this bespoke experience is sure to be unlike anything else you’ll experience in London. From the moment you arrive, it’s like you’ve been transported back an entire century. Once you’ve checked in to one of L’oscar’s stunning suites, you’ll head down to their restaurant for a delicious pre-theatre dinner. The ever-changing menu is carefully crafted using seasonal British produce, and it seamless strikes the perfect balance of being playfully on-theme but not in the slightest bit tacky. You’ll get to tuck into the delicious likes of popcorn shrimp, roaring salmon, and New York cheesecake, and wash it all down with an Old Sport cocktail, or – of course – a glass of champagne.
Once you’ve finished the feast for your tastebuds and tummies, you can stroll through the West End. You’ll take your seats inside the auditorium of London’s iconic Coliseum, where you’ll be treated to a feast for your eyes and ears in the form of The Great Gatsby. The show is – much like the hotel you’ll be wandering straight back to after you’ve finished watching it – utterly unforgettable. But once the curtain goes down, the experience continues, as you can head back to your swanky suite for (what was for me) one of the very best night’s sleep ever.
The Gatsby Escape is full of thoughtful touches and playful details. And whilst yes, its perfect for those visiting the capital; I can confirm that it’s equally (if not more) enjoyable to spend a night lavishly living out your Gatsby-esque fantasies in the very same city that you’re usually going to bed in an over-priced box-room in Zone 3. Just saying…
Where’s the party, I hear you ask? It’s at L’oscar, of course.
Find out more and plan your Gatsby Escape here.
📍 You’ll find L’oscar London at 2-6 Southampton Row, WC1B 4AA.