Flemings Mayfair has opened a new private townhouse suite inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. Robbie Hodges reports

Flemings Mayfair, one of London’s oldest independent hotels, has unveiled a newly renovated three-bedroom townhouse suite inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest.

The reimagined space evokes the theatricality and wit of Wilde’s work through bold design and literary flourishes. The suite, designed by London-based interior studio Tully Filmer Ltd, merges the elegance of 18th-century architecture with contemporary touches, drawing on Wilde’s connection to the neighbourhood and his celebrated satire of upper-class Victorian society.

The refurbishment is centred on The Townhouse, one of 13 Georgian buildings that form part of the Flemings Mayfair hotel. Built in the 1730s, the property spans three floors and includes three double bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom, as well as a lounge, dining area, and private entrance.

Interior highlights include jewel-toned upholstery, deep velvet furnishings, and bespoke wallpaper adorned with Wildean motifs. Curated details such as framed manuscripts, theatrical prints and period-style lighting pay tribute to Wilde’s creative legacy, while still maintaining the modern comforts expected of a luxury hotel. Every detail in the townhouse has been selected to evoke a sense of drama, playfulness and opulence in keeping with the spirit of Wilde’s 1895 play.

Flemings Mayfair has a longstanding literary connection to Wilde. Half Moon Street, where the hotel is located, was once a hub for creative and bohemian life in the late 19th century. During the 1880s, the area attracted aspiring writers, artists and 'confirmed bachelors', who lived in bachelor flats like the Gannon Apartments at No. 14. 

Wilde himself frequented the tavern at No. 10, then part of the original Flemings Hotel, making the surrounding streets a source of inspiration for The Importance of Being Earnest. Indeed, in Wilde’s play, the character of Algernon Moncrieff is said to live on Half Moon Street. 

Guests booking the suite benefit from a fully serviced residence experience, with all the amenities of Flemings Mayfair available on request, including concierge services, daily housekeeping and access to the hotel’s restaurant and bar. The suite also features a private entrance, allowing for discreet arrivals and departures. 

To commemorate the launch, guests will receive a complimentary copy of The Importance of Being Earnest during evening turndown, offering an added literary touchpoint to the stay.