SPRING DINING REVIEW: STANLEY'S, THE CHESTERFIELD HOTEL'S LATEST ADDITION
March 2026
Could rain, a marble bar and cocktails be the ultimate night of luxury? We think so! If you’re a fan of rooftop dining, an extensive cocktail menu, and a luxury friendly setting then look no further.
The Mayfair Musings visited Stanley’s, The Chesterfield Hotel’s latest addition, an open air retreat set in the heart of Mayfair atop the boutique venue. Take a glimpse at our latest excursion…
The Venue
The Chesterfield Hotel is already iconic in its own right. Founded by the prestigious Red Carnation group, its design was created by the Tollman family, and has all the hallmarks of a luxury, cosy hotel full of paintings, antiques, rich furnishings and cosy sofas.
The Tollman’s started with a small hotel in Johannesburg and grew to a powerhouse of hotels, with more than 40 titles to their name. Even with many settings, they have always kept exquisite furnishings and a home away from home feel at the helm of each one.
On entering the hotel, my guest and I were greeted with a gorgeous portrait of Bea Tollman, and her four-legged friend amidst antique lamps. Many of their venues are dog friendly, and they celebrate man’s best friend in much of the artwork.
A sweeping staircase, and a hallway full of plush carpet elevated us to Stanley’s on the roof, their latest new bar and restaurant.
We must add that it was pouring with rain! And on entering the elegant surroundings, we were rather drenched. But the relief flooded us as we soon realised the rooftop bar has a fully enclosed glass canopy, windows that come up on the sides, soft blankets and plenty of warm heaters- so much so that we felt completely confident with just a cardigan on!
Our waiter kindly explained that in the warmer months the glass descends to create an open air alfresco setting and in the colder months the canopies cover to keep it super cosy.
It felt like those times you are snug in bed and can hear the rain pattering against the window, and we did not feel any draught or inconvenience with the weather.
Created in honour of Stanley Tollman, the centre point of the rooftop is the bar, which emulates a discreet gentle glow against the backdrop of comfortable chairs and tables, all of which are neatly spread apart.
There is even a pebble mosaic portrait of Stanley on the entrance floor. We instantly decided that you had ‘made it’ if you had such a beautiful piece of artwork made in your honour!
We also think an all-important component to any outing is the restrooms which had a finish of black marble style and smelt lovely, with fluffy hand towels to boot.
The Menu
If cocktails and conversation is your thing, then look no further.
They offer an abundance of beverages - including cocktails and mocktails - some lighter for the sunnier months and some showcased as winter warmers.
Given the weather, we tried the spiced apple which was made up of Remy cognac, spices, apple, caramel cordial and soda. My friend tried the Thymes in Paris, which included Tanqueray No. 10 gin, as well as hints of thyme, blackberry liqueur and a foamy finish.
For their food, they offer tapas style sharer plates with enough meat, fish and veggie to suit a variation of palates. You can have smaller light bite snacks or pair up to make a meal or larger sharing plate.
My guest and I tried some more obscure spicy prawns with pequiller pepper salsa and halloumi drizzled in a raspberry vinaigrette – and of course a British classic, a gooey cheese toastie which paired neatly with our winter warmer cocktails!
Other choices on the menu include salmon rillette, Devon crab, chicken satay skewers, steak, salads and a signature dish for after; the Tollman cheesecake.
If you are a wine fan, then they offer an abundance of offerings from France and Italy as well as a classic range of spirits, mocktails and champagnes.
The Atmosphere
It was a windy weekday but you wouldn’t know there was a storm outside! Cocooned inside, we loved that the venue had friendliness all around and the lighting was gentle which set a peaceful tone.
Our waiters were chatty and explained the cocktail menu in a detailed manner, even with some personal recommendations to try when we were confused which selection to go for.
There were many guests at the bar and dotted around on the tables.
Despite the rain, a good amount of people had ventured out to Stanleys and they looked like hotel guests, locals and after-work adventurers. As the tables are spread out, you do not feel like you are earwigging on someone else's conversation or sitting too close for comfort, as some venues do.
In a nutshell
If you are looking for a new venue that is equally snug as it is opulence, and that treasures an old-world charm with a modern menu then you’ve found the right place.
We think Stanleys will be iconic in the summer, as it was lovely and toasty even on one of the stormiest nights of the year!
The cocktail menu is varied and fanciful – not only do the cocktails taste expertly made but they also look it- perfect for photos, posing, and chinking with your guest!
They serve mainly light bites in their elegant food menu, and we love that these can be paired to make a full meal or serve as a quick passing snack.
The atmosphere was welcoming and warm, and the staff were so friendly that you did not feel that they were rushing you, or alternatively had to rush off themselves.
The style of Stanleys is everything you could want from a Mayfair luxury abode - minus any stuffiness!
They have unified space, lighting, furniture to give the senses a real treat, and their attention to detail is second to none. Roll on spring, we can’t wait to head back and try it with the canopy down!
