In thesedays of eco-friendliness, carbon consciousness and widespread
green-washing, it makes a refreshing change to find a place devoted to
perhaps the biggest eco-target of them all: aircraft.
The Aviator - the name is a bit of a giveaway - is unabashedly in love with
all things that fly. To start with, the building is shaped like a giant
propeller. Overlooking Farnborough's airfield, it stretches for more than
100m along Farnborough Road, looking silvery, sleek and propeller-like. Next
door is a museum with disused military aircraft standing outside.
I was met by two burly doormen wearing grey outfits who showed me through
automatic doors to a staircase. This led through a circular central atrium
with white-hoop balconies tapering upwards, candles on coffee tables, purple
velvet seats in alcoves, great bunches of dried red roses in giant vases,
and the Skybar, which had views of Farnborough's runway.
Next to reception was a small lounge with more plush chairs, flowers and a
stack of books that included An Illustrated Dictionary of Aviation, Luxury
Airline Design and McQueen's Machines: The Cars and Bikes of the Hollywood
Legend. On the wall were several arty, close-up photographs of what looked
like washers (as in washers that might be used with nuts and bolts in an
engine).
The atmosphere was dark and somewhat gloomy. Candles flickered. An airline
pilot, three gold stripes on one sleeve, strode towards the chrome lifts.
My room was slick in a bachelor- pad kind of way, with a cream leather chaise
longue, a small desk, a slate-grey bathroom with a shower (difficult to
work), flat-screen TV, spotlights and two black and white pictures of
propellers placed above the bed. Through slats, I could see Farnborough Road
and a dull row of houses, but not the airfield.
I met a friend in the Skybar and ordered a Death in the Afternoon cocktail,
even though it was evening. This had absinthe in it - and a strong kick.
Purple chiffon curtains blocked off neighbouring squadrons of squeaky
black-leather armchairs.
A group near by was cheerfully putting away icy emerald drinks. We wondered
whether they were about to take off in private jets. Farnborough is big on
private jets... and the Aviator has the feel of an extremely exclusive
airport lounge.
Dinner in the brasserie was slightly disappointing, and service could have
been quicker. Smoked salmon and oyster starters were followed by cod and
steak main courses. The food was OK, but nothing special.
Aviator is owned by TAG Aviation and created by Ken McCulloch, the man behind
Malmaison hotels. A place for plane-spotters and pilots - but perhaps not
tree-huggers.
Bottom line Mystery Guest paid £185 for a double
Sampling the fare £45pp for three courses with wine
Best thing Hula hoop atrium
Worst thing Restaurant
Need to know Aviator (01252 555890, www.aviatorfarnborough.co.uk),
Farnborough Road, Hampshire GU14 6EL
Room 7 out of 10
Food 6.5 out of 10
Service 6 out of 10
Value 5 out of 10
Score 6.13
PUT TO THE TEST: 20 Mystery Guest questions for... Aviator
1. Do rooms have kettles/coffee makers? And is there fresh milk?
Kettles with UHT milk cartons.
2. Is there a hairdryer, and is it fixed to a wall?
Handheld hairdryers.
3. Are coathangers metal, wooden, removable?
Wooden removeable.
4. Complimentary bottle of water?
Yes and studio suites have free mini-bars.
5. Sheets and blankets or duvets?
Both.
6. What about a 'pillow menu'?
Anti-allergy pillows available on request.
7. Is lighting good enough for reading?
Yes.
8. Is there a shaving/make up mirror? And is it well lit?
Adequate shaving/make up mirrors.
9. What about the in-room entertainment system?
TV with Freeview and selection of films.
10. Is there a temperature control panel?
Air-conditioning control panel.
11. Do the windows open?
No.
12. Is there good sound-proofing?
Yes.
13. Is there wi-fi internet access?
Yes, free.
14. Is there a good place to go jogging nearby?
Yes, jogging routes provided.
15. What is the vegetarian food selection like?
Reasonable.
16. Is there baby listening/babysitting? And are children welcome at
adults’ evening meals?
Babysitting. Children welcome at meals.
17. Is there wheelchair access to all areas?
Yes, wheelchair friendly rooms.
18. Do you get a free paper in the morning?
Yes.
19. Is there a pub round the corner?
The Swan is 100 yards away.
20. Is there free car parking? And is it secure?
Yes, secure.
