We go behind the scenes with Catherine Unwin, Director of Events at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London.
I have had the pleasure to work at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London for over six years and have worked in the wedding industry for 27 years. I think I got a taste for weddings very young – my first ever job was at a wedding, from the age of 16 I worked as a silver service waitress. I’ve also been a bridesmaid six times, starting from the age of two!
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is one of the capital’s most iconic addresses – set between the tranquillity of Hyde Park and the energy of Knightsbridge. With a history spanning more than 140 years – first as an exclusive gentlemen’s club and later as a hotel from 1902 – the property combines timeless heritage with contemporary flair.
For weddings, the hotel offers a uniquely romantic setting in the heart of London. Our event spaces are filled with natural light and overlook either the city bustle or the sweeping greenery of Hyde Park. Both The Loggia and The Ballroom feature private terraces with park views, while couples can make a spectacular arrival through the Royal Entrance, a gate traditionally reserved for visiting royalty and dignitaries.
Over the decades, the hotel’s event spaces have welcomed members of the royal family, dignitaries and celebrities from across the globe, making it a destination known for exceptional celebrations and unforgettable occasions.
How would you describe Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London?
Being the only hotel that opens directly onto Hyde Park is what I think really sets it apart. When you step out onto the terrace at the back, or dine at our seasonal terrace restaurant, Hyde Park Garden, you genuinely feel like you’re in another world. Somehow, all the city noise is blocked out and there’s this amazing view out towards the park where the only passersby are cyclists and the Household Cavalry. At the same time, you’re still in the centre of the city and on the doorstep of some of the best luxury shopping and cultural landmarks in London.
Tell us something most people don’t know about Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London?
The hotel has an amazingly storied history – one of my favourite facts is that it was used as a SAS headquarters after the war. Lieutenant Colonel Brian Franks (who became the hotel’s Managing Director from 1959-72), along with Sir Winston Churchill, Yuri Galitzin and Bill Barkworth formed the SAS War Crime Investigating team known as the ‘Secret Hunters’ from a suite in the hotel between 1945 and 1948. From their office at the hotel, they went onto bring more than 100 Nazi war criminals to justice.
What kind of people hang out here?
All kinds of people! We have such a wonderfully diverse mix of guests who are all drawn together by a shared appreciation for exceptional service and timeless elegance. You’ll find international travellers, London locals, families, business leaders, creatives and couples celebrating milestone moments, often all under one roof. What connects them all is a desire for meaningful experiences rather than formality for formality’s sake.
Who has checked into Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London over the years?
We’ve had plenty of celebrities check in over the years – actors, musicians, even the Royal family. We have many regular A-list guests, but we generally try not to name too many names as many of these high-profile visitors value the hotel for the privacy it provides. Unless they say otherwise, we do our best to be as discreet as possible so that they can switch off and enjoy time away from the spotlight!
Who’s thrown parties here, any stand out stories? And famous weddings?
There have been some fabulous parties and weddings over the years. A couple that really stand out are Margaret Thatcher’s 80th birthday party which was hosted with us and attended by Queen Elizabeth II. Perhaps most famously though, the Prince and Princess of Wales held their pre-wedding dinner at the hotel in 2011. Our current Director of Society Events oversaw the party that welcomed 142 royals from around the world.
Who’s the chef and what’s your favourite dish?
My favourite dish from chef Francisco Hernandez is a bit of a classic and always a hit: 24-Day Aged Surrey Grass-Fed Hereford Beef Wellington with truffle mash potato, cabernet sauvignon sauce, and seasonal vegetables.
Beef Wellington remains one of England’s most iconic and theatrical dishes, deeply rooted in tradition and synonymous with celebration. Its craftsmanship, from the perfectly cooked beef to the pastry, represents classic culinary excellence. Using locally sourced Surrey grass-fed beef introduces a modern and sustainable element. With truffle mash and Cabernet sauce, it becomes a timeless centrepiece ideal for weddings and grand occasions.
Any hidden corners at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London?
One of my absolute favourite spots in the hotel is very hidden away on our ninth floor, beneath a beautiful skylight that creates the most incredible natural light. I often recommend it to couples for the more intimate shots during their bridal shoot because it feels so tucked away and private. There’s a real sense of calm up there, and the light is always soft and flattering – it photographs beautifully.
Favourite room to stay in at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London?
The Royal Suite – it’s a great space for entertaining and obviously fit for royalty! It is also positioned on the first floor and has the most amazing terrace which overlooks The Ballroom terrace and Hyde Park beyond – it’s a great position for overseeing any event or watching the world go by!
Another of my favourite spaces to show couples on their wedding day is the Butterfly Terrace, a truly unique room featuring hand-painted illustrations of more than 50 species of English butterflies by Leah Wood. The space is made even more striking by its intricate Italian mosaic flooring, which gives it a lovely romantic atmosphere.
I often recommend it as a private retreat for couples immediately after their ceremony as a place where they can step away for a quiet moment together, enjoy a glass of champagne, and take in the excitement of being newly married before rejoining their guests.
What kind of couples get married here?
We welcome a wonderfully diverse range of couples. Some travel from overseas for a destination wedding in the heart of London, while others are UK-based and have always dreamed of celebrating their day with us.
The weddings themselves are just as varied – from intimate, elegant gatherings to larger, more celebratory occasions with family and friends travelling in from all over the world. We also see couples returning to us at different milestones in their lives, whether for anniversary celebrations or vow renewals, which is always really special.
And finally, what’s next for Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London …
We have had the pleasure to partner with Heston Blumenthal for the last 15 years at our restaurant, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. It was recently announced that this residency will come to an end in January 2027. It hasn’t yet been announced what concept will take its place, but it’s sure to be something fantastic, so watch this space…!
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