W@ssup

After 21 months of closing their doors, Fairmont The Norfolk, Nairobi’s iconic hotel, has officially reopened its doors, this time with a redesigned culinary and social experience. Mr Mehdi Morad, the Country General Manager at Accor Kenya, delivered the good news during the reopening ceremony held on Monday April 4, 2022 noting that the hotel is ready to welcome both local and global guests to experience the most unique and breath-taking journey at Fairmont The Norfolk, in the heart of Nairobi city centre.

“The hotel and Accor regional team have worked closely together to ensure they provide the guests with exceptional services and facilities in line with the luxe positioning of the Fairmont brand including a new food and beverage concept in order to meet with customers evolving needs” said Mr Morad.

Together the teams worked on the redesign of the lounge, bar and restaurant with bright and elegant finishes as well as on an exciting culinary experience to offer the most modern, elegant and diverse tantalizing options, combined with the historic venue and its iconic lush garden in the heart of the city.

The story of The Norfolk is synonymous with the story of Nairobi. A hidden gem with alluring old-world charm and elegant contemporary design, this Edwardian English style resort originally furnished with twelve rooms opened her doors in 1904. Boasting the enviable status of being the first hotel in the city, The Norfolk began life as a tin shack in a temporary camp at the farthest point of the ’Lunatic Line’, the railway built to link Mombasa to Uganda. It was in essence the ’only place to stay’ for incoming colonials, but rapidly expanded to become ’the only place to see and be seen’.  Here the visitors mainly keen on safari could escape and find relief in its cool baths and garden oasis. From its humble beginnings The Norfolk has managed to remain a magnet for high profile guests, including Winston Churchill and Theodore Roosevelt, Neville Chamberlain, Meryl Streep, Ralph Fiennes, Mick Jagger, Koffi Annan, and Denzel Washington just to name a few. Not even a bombing on December 31, 1980, that obliterated 25 per cent of the buildings nor the recent global pandemic have taken away the charm of the historic establishment.

Once owned by one of Kenya’s best-known families, the Blocks, the hotel’s ownership has changed hands several times since the 1980s, eventually coming under the Fairmont brand which was later taken over by French hospitality giant Accor consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

The exterior, which has changed little since the colonial era, features half-timbered mock Tudor black and white walls, covered in vines and creepers, and a miniature bell tower. The buildings form a central quadrant and courtyard enclosing private gardens and, despite a full refurbishment in 2004 that introduced an eccentric mix of cane chairs, sumptuous sofas, gleaming antiques, original black-and-white prints and massive oil paintings for the interiors, the Norfolk’s character has remained consciously rooted in its mid twentieth century heyday.  It presently boasts of 27 luxurious suites and 143 rooms that combine classic elegance and modern design with discreet technology.

Many rooms offer breath-taking elevated views of the landscaped courtyard, while the signature suites are an excellent choice for guests seeking to experience luxury intertwined with the rich history of the city. As befitting an establishment of this stature, the hotel’s shared areas are spacious, airy and numerous. Large sofas and armchairs lean against white columns or tuck into secluded corners, whilst casual tables and terraces flow into more formal dining rooms.

The Fairmont Norfolk Hotel offers five distinct restaurant areas. The hotel’s hub and meeting place, The Lord Delamere Terrace, provides an alfresco breakfast and constantly changing buffet menu. Tuck into exceptional culinary fare at the hotel’s award-winning Tatu Restaurant which is a contemporary contrast to the historic main building.

The Tatu Restaurant (which will have a dedicated relaunch in June), will celebrate the talent and creativity of renowned Chef Aris Athanasiou with an exciting culinary experience to offer the most modern, elegant and diverse tantalizing options. Here diners can also watch the chefs preparing the restaurant’s specialty, Morendat Platinum Beef, as well as various seafood dishes such as Mombasa Spiny Lobster.

Patrons of the establishments can now re-live evenings at the elegant Cin Cin Wine Bar or enjoy the tradition of high-tea on the swirling baroque-like sofas of the comfortable Tea Room. Also, overlooking the heated swimming pool and Mugumo Gardens, the swimming pool restaurant provides secluded dining with an a la carte menu and drinks served throughout the day. All this is complimented by what returning travellers frequently described as the most wonderfully personal and attentive staff.

“Besides top-notch service, history and lush nature in the city centre of Nairobi, the guests will now find at Fairmont The Norfolk, a place dedicated to relaxation, socializing and celebrating, in a modern, iconic and fashionable venue. The Hotel’s Spa will also be ready in 3 weeks to suit the new direction,” Mr Mehdi Morad said.