Claridge's Bright Young Things

To celebrate the centenary of Art Deco this year and the Paris Exhibition of 1925, Claridge’s, London’s Art Deco jewel and favourite haunt of the Bright Young Things, a glittering group from the 1920s, has unveiled a yearlong series of celebratory guest experiences, activations and collaborations, reinforcing the hotel’s position at the heart of this much-loved Roaring Twenties era.

Art Deco adventures throughout the year include Deco tours of the property from Claridge’s renowned archivist, Great Gatsby pre-theatre dinners in Claridge’s Restaurant, Flapper and Hanky Panky cocktails served in original Lalique glassware in The Fumoir, Charleston Masterclasses from The Bees Knees, a decadent Bright Young Things Claridge’s sleepover, as well as a celebration of Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World at the National Portrait Gallery in October.

The Bright Young Things were the carefree generation of dazzling young aristocrats and socialites who lit up interwar London, and threw lavish fancy dress parties, drank exotic cocktails and whose antics inspired writers from Nancy Mitford to Evelyn Waugh as well as society photographer Cecil Beaton. Celebrating this extravagant era a century later, Claridge’s has delved deep into its archives to capture the magic of living life as a Bright Young Thing – including: Claridge’s Art Deco Tours monthly behind the scenes tours of the hotel from Kate Hudson, Claridge’s renowned archivist. Discover iconic Art Deco historical details such as the Jacques Adnet Deco doves and original Lalique designs personally presented to Claridge’s by Renee Lalique.

Bright Young Things Claridge’s Sleepover in Deco designed rooms and suites complete with indulgent Hanky Panky cocktails, limited edition Flappers and Philosophers book by F Scott Fitzgerald (a regular Claridge’s guest) and original Art Deco bottles of centenary scent, Shalimar by Guerlain. Guests are welcomed with a specially curated 20s jazz playlist and Bright Young Things movies from Midnight in Paris to The Artist.

Cecil Beaton’s Cocktails at Claridge’s – signature 20s recipes from The Flapper to Southside Fizz all from The Cecil Beaton Cocktail Book served in original Lalique glassware in The Fumoir, the Deco bar at the heart of the hotel, tying in with the opening of Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World at The National Portrait Gallery in October.

Charleston Masterclasses – Learn how to dance like the Bright Young Things with London’s finest flappers - The Bees Knees.

Claridge’s Art Deco Salons – a series of intimate talks in The Painter’s Room from some of Claridge’s favourite Deco family; vintage queen Virgina Bates on fashion, music maestro Alex Le Roux on Jazz Age sounds, Scentfluencer Alice Du Parcq on famous fragrances, design aficionado Bryan O’Sullivan on Deco details, Claridge’s floral king Richard Eagleton on 1920s in bloom.

The Great Gatsby pre-theatre dinner in Claridge’s Restaurant – soak up the 1920s vibe and dazzling dishes before heading to the new musical production of The Great Gatsby at The Coliseum.

Claridge’s Archivist, Kate Hudson, comments “To celebrate this Art Deco centenary, we have dug deep into our treasured archives to find rare pieces that create a window that reflects the hotels position at the heart of the Bright Young Things. Here we showcase everything from glorious, rare front covers of Tatler to dance cards and programmes for glamorous balls with deco green and silver designs, hotels brochures and luggage label with geometric Claridge’s logos so evocative of the time.”

The Bright Young Things Claridge’s Sleepover starts from £1,665 (including breakfast and VAT), bookable from May 2025. For more information, please visit www.claridges.co.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS
The Bright Young Things Experience at Claridge’s includes an overnight stay in an Art Deco style suite with English breakfast the following morning; cocktails from The Fumoir’s celebratory Cecil Beaton collection in Lalique glassware, a limited-edition F. Scott Fitzgerald book of Flappers and Philosophers; a collection of films available to watch that capture the essence of the era, including Some Like It Hot, Midnight in Paris and The Artist; and, a bottle of the classic 1925 Shalimar fragrance, created by Guerlain and presented in decorative Art Deco bottles.

ABOUT CLARIDGE’S
At the centre of London's Mayfair, Claridge's, operated by Maybourne, embodies grand English style, timeless glamour, and intuitive and highly tailored service. It is London's Art Deco jewel, and home to elegant rooms and suites. From London's finest afternoon tea in The Foyer, to drinks in The Fumoir and The Painter’s Room, and celebratory dining in Claridge’s Restaurant, all are part of the hotel's unique splendour and charm.