"We want to be a cultural institution in our own right": In conversation with The Chancery Rosewood's Michael Bonsor

Michael, The Chancery Rosewood is undoubtedly one of London’s most talked-about openings. As this new icon is born, what is the one feeling or experience you would like guests to take away from their stay?

MB: More than anything, I want guests to feel a sense of emotional connection, like they have discovered something personal, timeless and inspiring. The Chancery Rosewood is a design icon reborn as an epicentre of contemporary creativity. In a city full of exceptional hotels, we have created something that speaks not only to luxury but to meaning. It is the human touch, the craftsmanship, the art and the stories behind the building that will stay with our guests long after they leave.

The former US Embassy is an architectural landmark with historical significance. How has this heritage been woven into the design and guest experience? 

MB: The building is steeped in political and cultural history, and it is extraordinary to now reimagine this space as a centre for contemporary creativity. From Eero Saarinen’s iconic rotunda to the use of American walnut and Portland stone, we have honoured the original design language while infusing it with modern British artistry. Guests will find quiet references to that storied past, but they will also be surprised by bold, unexpected installations and moments of storytelling in every corner.

Carbone’s European debut at The Chancery has generated a great deal of anticipation. Beyond this exciting arrival, what other dining and bar concepts can we look forward to?

MB: Carbone will bring its signature American Italian soul to Mayfair, and we are thrilled to be its European home. But it’s just the beginning. We have created a culinary journey across our seven other offerings. Our cocktail bar on the seventh floor has views over Grosvenor Square and across to Hyde Park, while our all-day southern Italian restaurant celebrates the best seasonal ingredients and will become a new London classic. 

Tobi Masa's arrival is what I am most looking forward to. I have always savoured Chef Masa’s cuisine and for many years it has been a firm favourite of mine in NYC. I can’t wait for his Japanese delicacies to arrive mid-September.

Luxury travel today is increasingly defined by wellness. What awaits guests at the Asaya® Spa?

MB: Asaya® is a philosophy of integrated wellbeing. We have designed it as a sanctuary in the city, where guests can restore their body, mind and spirit. Treatments are inspired by global traditions but anchored in modern science, and our therapists take time to understand individual needs.

We have partnered with the Taktouk Clinic to offer new facial treatments using the latest technology with SkinCeuticals products which deliver immediate and lasting results to our guests who are short on time. Our guests can enjoy sauna, steam room and cold plunge rituals as well as a 25-metre pool with lounge areas. Our massages use oils made with rare botanicals to harmonise your energy. Architecturally, the spa is serene and immersive, with subtle light, natural textures and a sense of calm that immediately grounds you.

Rosewood’s A Sense of Place philosophy is perfectly at home in Mayfair. For guests looking to explore the area, what lesser-known gems would you personally recommend?

MB: Mayfair is rich in quiet corners and cultural texture. I always recommend visiting the Timothy Taylor Gallery or Gagosian on Grosvenor Hill, spaces that reflect the pulse of contemporary art. Just around the corner, Shepherd Market offers independent boutiques and old-world charm. And there’s something magical about wandering through Mount Street Gardens with a coffee in hand.

These aren’t the loudest attractions in London, but they offer a quiet authenticity that reflects the spirit of our hotel. Heywood Hill bookshop is another firm favourite and the team at Creed always take great care of us. Bruton Place is also fast becoming a foodie's dream.

In an era where personalisation is paramount, what bespoke services or thoughtful touches can guests expect during their stay? 

MB: We aim to create moments that feel genuinely considered. One recent example: a guest who has booked to stay with us mentioned that they chose The Chancery Rosewood to reconnect with their late grandfather’s legacy in London. Our team uncovered a photograph of the original US Embassy façade from the era he served. We have had it framed and will gift it to her on arrival. 

We will also offer a bespoke walking tour with one of our partners. That’s the kind of attention to story, place and person we strive for daily. It’s not about grand gestures - it’s about emotional intelligence, care and listening.

When conceptualising The Chancery Rosewood, who did you imagine as the primary guest? 

MB: We envisioned a guest who is global, design-conscious, well-informed and experience-led. Someone who seeks both substance and style, who appreciates thoughtful design and meaningful encounters. They might arrive with high expectations, but we want to surprise them with quiet details, with moments of art, story, or intuition that make them feel seen. Ultimately, our goal is to create a space where guests feel they belong, not just because it’s luxurious, but because it resonates with who they are.

Looking beyond the grand opening, what is your long-term vision for The Chancery Rosewood? 

MB: Our ambition is to become more than a hotel, we want to be a cultural institution in our own right. We plan to host residencies, salons, and exhibitions that bring together creatives including artists, writers, chefs and thinkers. The building once helped shape world politics; now, it can help shape ideas and conversations. As London evolves, so will we, remaining a platform for creativity and a landmark that reflects both heritage and innovation.

As Managing Director, having poured so much into bringing the hotel to life, is there one particular feature, space or even a feeling that you are most excited for guests to discover?

MB: The central atrium is something truly special. It’s where the past and present collide. Eero Saarinen’s geometry, David Chipperfield’s reimagination of the structure and the ever-changing natural light cascading from above, and contemporary fabric details that shift the atmosphere depending on the time of day. Every time I walk through it, I feel a sense of arrival that is both grounding and uplifting. It sets the tone for everything that follows.

Bringing a project of this scale and ambition to life surely came with its challenges. Was there a defining moment or unexpected hurdle that ultimately shaped the hotel in a meaningful way?

MB: One unexpected challenge came when we discovered legacy structural features from the building’s embassy days that were incompatible with our vision for guest flow and openness. What began as a constraint forced us to reimagine how spaces connect and breathe. In doing so, we arrived at a more intuitive layout, fluid transitions between private and public spaces, and a rhythm that guides guests gently through their experience. It reminded us that limitation can be the mother of creativity.

And finally, in only three words, how would you describe the personality of The Chancery Rosewood?

MB: Design icon reborn.

Be one of the first to stay at The Chancery Rosewood and receive the best available rate, complimentary breakfast, complimentary soft drinks and snacks from the private bar and more when you book with Little Emperors.