The Langham, Melbourne is one of just a handful of hotels in Australia to boast a team of three full time concierges, two of whom are members of Les Clefs d’Or.
The Langham, Melbourne’s Chief Concierge, Peter McBrearty is also President of Les Clefs d’Or Australia while his colleague, Ben Davies, a member of the hotel’s concierge team, is also the Treasurer of the Australian branch of Les Clefs d’Or.
Both McBrearty and Davies are renowned for their personal commitment to excellence and for their consistent, spot-on insider knowledge.
Between them they have amassed over 34 years of concierge experience.
They are amongst the first to uncover the latest nightspot, discover an up and coming artist or designer and be able to advise discerning diners where to order the hottest dish of the moment. They’re tapped in to the zeitgeist of Melbourne and have impressive access to anywhere world-wide through Les Clefs D’Or intricate network of seasoned, professional concierges.
“We’re extremely proud of the depth of local knowledge that we can share with our guests to ensure that they have the best possible experience while here in Melbourne,” said The Langham, Melbourne Managing Director, Ben Sington.
“Peter McBrearty and Ben Davies are an integral part of our service team. It’s handy for all of us to have up to date information about restaurants, bars, baristas, art, music and more.”
So where does the President of Les Clefs D’Or recommend in Melbourne for 2015? He’s a big fan of Armenian restaurant, Sezar, claiming it’s a hidden gem. He is also receiving rave reviews from guests he has dispatched to Epocha in Rathdowne Street, Andrew McConnell’s Cutler & Co in hipster heaven, Gertrude Street as well as Brooks in one of Melbourne’s best known laneways, George Parade. For those seeking the unexpected, Peter suggests guests try Bar Frankie nestled on the city’s northside in Greeves Street Fitzroy.
For those looking for rest and relaxation, it’s no surprise that Peter proposes a visit to The Langham, Melbourne’s Chuan Spa, in particular recommending the spa’s signature Chuan facial which includes elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the use of a smoothing Jade stone.
Peter is also an advocate of Localing Tours which specialises in personalised tours of Melbourne and Victoria. This small company have a series of bespoke tours that explores the city’s complex web of laneways to tours further afield around Victoria including the Great Ocean Road.
Meanwhile, Ben Davies’ top tip to city visitors is to don comfortable walking shoes that can cope with Melbourne’s myriad of cobblestones and set off to Flinders Lane where there they’ll find street art, arcades, cafes, bars, restaurants, designer boutiques and galleries, including his personal favourite, 45 Downstairs.
Ben’s singular suggestion for a night cap is to head to Supper Club on Spring Street. For views, he recommends a trip to the hotel’s neighbouring building, Eureka Tower and guides visitors to head to the Mornington Penisula’s Sorrento and Portsea for a memorable day trip or the region’s stunning golf courses for those keen to play. He also says that a visit to Melbourne would not be complete without immersing yourself in the city’s coffee culture. His top tip? Venture to Bourke Street’s Pellegrini’s, one of the CBD’s dining institutions.
The Langham, Melbourne’s concierge team fields hundreds of requests each day and facilitates reservations, tour bookings, recommendations and fulfills even the most unusual and elaborate requests.