An old friend is in town and persuades me to check out Grand Central Hotel. Why? The apparent must-see magnificent chandelier, of course. So having decided our drinking locale purely based on light fittings, we set off.
Not my usual scene but I’m intrigued. And the promise of champagne is too good to turn down.
Prepare to be dazzled
From the bowing doorman at the entrance to luxurious decor –even the floor is impressive at the Grand Central Hotel.
And as promised the elegant chandelier in the hall with its long slim prisms of glass – well, it’s pretty spectacular too. Standing directly underneath gives a wonderful view; it stretches on and on past three floors at least.
We head up the stairs to Champagne Central where we’re greeted by another chandelier. More of a round-faced younger sister compared to the previous all-encompassing chandelier, but dazzling nonetheless.
In good company
It’s only 6:30 on a Saturday night but the bar is already heaving. We manage to nab two chairs and settle in. And then the fun begins.
We go for a classic glass of champagne, although there’s a myriad of cocktails as long as the chandelier to choose from. And it’s absolutely buzzing inside – perfect for people watching. Set against decadent wooden furnishings and trains puffing away in the background, anything goes – zebra striped heels, fake furs, bouffant hair, jeans and trainers – it’s all sorts and all good.
Here’s to us
Long before its swanky refurbishment, Grand Central hotel attracted a slew of other interesting characters including Laurel and Hardy, Winston Churchill and the Beatles to name just a few. And I can’t think of a better way to join this illustrious group (past and present) than indulging in a glass of champagne and simply enjoying the view.
– B
About a City 