Fun, flair and fantasy at the boutique hotel in Fitzrovia.
It’s a grey, rain-slicked evening in London. But the moment I slip through the dimly lit entrance of The Mandrake, the outside world fades away. Like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole, I find myself transported into something entirely surreal.
A narrow corridor opens up to a whimsical world of curiosities, featuring dramatic Gothic chandeliers, provocative artworks, velvet textures, and a curated collection of taxidermy that’s more theatrical than macabre. The air is laced with the hotel’s bespoke scent, wrapping you in an atmosphere that feels equal parts eccentric and exclusive. Welcome to the boutique hotel, The Mandrake London.
In 2017, Lebanese entrepreneur Rami Fustok opened The Mandrake London. Located in Fitzrovia, it is a short stroll from Oxford Street. The hotel draws its name from a plant with hallucinogenic properties. The lobby is a theatrical fusion of steampunk flair, Victorian drama, and Berlin nightclub edginess. Grey walls and black floors set a moody backdrop, which are brought to life by soaring ceilings, cascading curtains, and floor-to-ceiling windows that look out onto a lush central courtyard.
Rooms & Suites
The Mandrake London is home to 33 rooms, which include three suites and a penthouse. The check-in was seamless and smiley. However, the lifts were a little confusing, yet the ever-attentive staff were quick to assist, making sure we never felt lost for long, like Alice’s adventures in Wonderland.
We stayed in the Terrace Room, a tranquil retreat tucked away in the heart of the capital. This room featured floor-to-ceiling windows and double doors that open onto a shared terrace. While tall trees provide a welcome sense of privacy, the outdoor tables and chairs sit on a communal walkway and are more suited to a quiet morning coffee than total seclusion.
Spanning between 19 and 29 square metres, the Terrace Room felt compact and classy. As someone who often works from their hotel room, the accommodation lacked a decent desk. The chair wasn’t tall enough for the table, and the furniture had to be rearranged to accommodate plug sockets and video calls.
The king-size bed doubled as a space to work, relax and sleep. This sink-into sanctuary was dressed in Italian linens, hypoallergenic comforters, and an organic mattress. The beautiful bathroom was more of a haven, as it was adorned with marble finishes and offered a choice between a rainfall shower and a soaking tub.
Restaurants & Bars
The Mandrake London’s personality comes alive at its restaurants and bars. At the heart of the hotel is the FACT Dining Award-nominated Yopo Restaurant. The Tim Burton-esque space offers an eclectic all-day dining experience – there’s a stuffed ostrich right in the middle, after all. The morning options range from a classic Full English Breakfast to The Mandrake Wellbeing Breakfast. The breakfast and lunch menus showcase South American cuisine and are spot-on for sharing. Choose from small and large plates, which include grilled fish and meat.
The Mandrake London also includes Jumeira Terrace, The Courtyard and Yopo Bar. There’s even a venue called Waeska Bar, and the cocktail menu is founded on ethnobotany – the study of different cultures’ practices with indigenous plants. Plus, there is a live DJ on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Facilities
The Mandrake London’s wellness offering leans toward the bohemian – there’s even a spiritual concierge on hand. Treatments range from crystalline sound baths to Pilates and yoga sessions. Therapists specialise in energy healing and shamanic rituals. For something more traditional, head to the recently opened Damu Spa, where facials and massages feature the SKIN by Dr. Maryam Zamani. Plus, facilities include The Mud Caves and The Origin Pool.
The Verdict
The Mandrake London felt like a fully joined-up experience, with its knowledgeable staff and fantastical theme threading seamlessly from check-in to rooms and bars. It had a touch of Stanley Kubrick fantasy and flair – bold and provocative, but maybe trying a little too hard to shock. Still, it was storied and stylish, offering an experience that even Alice would be eager to explore.
GO: Visit https://themandrake.com for more information.