The Stafford London

Tucked away in the heart of St. James's rests The Stafford London, one of the last remaining bastions of Great British hospitality. Having been a hotel since 1912, The Stafford London is comfortable in its own traditional foundations, yet is the epitome of informal luxury for those who need not justify enjoying it. 

A compelling history lies beneath The Stafford in its 380-year-old wine cellars, built in the 17th Century by Lord Francis Godolphin, and used as an air-raid shelter in WWII. Today, along with a fascinating informal museum of artefacts left behind in wartimes, the working cellars house up to 8,000 bottles of the finest wines, including many rare and precious vintages. With one of the most complete wine collections in London, it's not surprising that a wide range of vintages in half bottle and imperial sizes are on offer alongside an impressive selection of vintage cognacs, armagnacs, ports and single malt whiskies.

Gino Nardella, Master Sommelier
It is impossible to discuss The Stafford's wine cellars without mentioning Master Sommelier Gino Nardella. His experience is vast, from his childhood spent on the family owned vineyard in Southern France to over 40 years accumulated experience as a Sommelier. In addition to nurturing the thousands of bottles in the hotel's cellars, Gino oversees the wine service in The Stafford's restaurant. Working alongside Executive Chef Carlos Martinez, Gino provides complementary vintages for private dining menus as well as giving tips to would-be connoisseurs.

The Wine Cellars: an exclusive venue for private dining and wine tastings
The Stafford's vaulted wine cellars are a perfect backdrop for a wine tasting and offer an enlightening experience for wine lovers of any level. The candlelit tour takes guests through the entire collection, with Gino Nardella on hand to answer any questions. “I enjoy hearing our guests impressions of the place and, I admit, showing it off a bit as it inspires a tremendous amount of awe and excitement,” says Mr Nardella. Tasting at The Stafford can be tailored to suit each group's preferences – formal or informal, for absolute beginners through to advanced; guests can even specify country, region or grape-type. The tasting area has been carefully designed to ensure that the qualities of each wine can be observed, smelt and tasted – with special lighting and temperature controls. In addition, the wine cellars can also be hired for private dining groups of up to 44 with the atmospheric candlelit surroundings proving particularly popular for intimate wedding parties.