The best historic London hotels seamlessly merge the city’s past with its present, leaving clients to contemplate a bygone era over modern day cocktails. Some have been hotels since their inception, while others have taken up residence in buildings whose histories intertwine with that of the nation. Here are some of my current favourites:
The Langham: A Legacy of Luxury and Innovation
The Langham’s opening in 1865 as Europe’s first “Grand Hotel” was an anticipated event attended by much high society, including the Prince of Whales. This historic London hotel was renowned for its modern amenities, such as electric lighting and air conditioning, making it a pioneer in luxury accommodation. Over the years, The Langham has hosted royalty, dignitaries, artists, and celebrities. In the late 1800’s it was a regular reprieve for exiled French Emperor Louis Napoléon III. Charles Dickens included it in his London guide, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle worked it into at least three of his Sherlock Holmes stories. The Langham served as a first aid and military post during World War II. Following the war, it was owned for a time by the BBC, who broadcast from it the “Grand Hotel”, a musical programme featuring the hotel’s Palm Court Orchestra.
Today, the Langham has a range of venues where you can enjoy a drink. The Wigmore pub works nicely for a pint, or take afternoon tea in the Palm Court, a practice that went from a private royal passtime to a public British tradition thanks to this venue. The Palm Court has also recently made a splash as the location for Michel Roux’s new restaurant Chez Roux, where the acclaimed chef creates dishes using French techniques and British ingredients. Not only are the dishes standout, but Chez Roux does excellent drink pairings with the menu.
But the big showstopper for cocktails is the Artesian Bar. Some of the world’s most accoladed mixology talent has spent time at this historic London hotel bar, which holds the record – at four – for the most appearances at the No. 1 spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list.
Artesian is known for its creative conceptual menus. The current Alter Ego, is an exploration of duality, offering cocktails that present two contrasting flavors or concepts in a single drink and is the second part of the two-volume “Ingredients of the Future”. The previous volume, Future Proof, focused on sustainability and innovation, featuring cocktails crafted with minimal waste and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. All their cocktails are designed to push the boundaries of traditional mixology while prioritising environmental consciousness.
Go early as the bar gets busy and lively in the early evenings, making for a convivial atmosphere. The Artesian bar also collaborates with chef Angelo Sato of Humble Chicken for outstanding bar snacks like buttermilk chicken karaage or tuna tartar with seaweed crisps that should not be missed!
The Connaught: An Art Deco Icon of Elegance
Renowned for art deco elegance and superlative service, The Connaught Hotel, located in London’s Mayfair, has been a model of refined hospitality since the early 19th century. Originally opened in 1815 as The Prince of Saxe-Coburg Hotel, it was rebuilt and rebranded as The Coburg in 1897 and then renamed The Connaught in 1917. This historic London hotel was a hub for important figures, including French President General Charles de Gaulle during World War II. The Connaught has continually evolved while maintaining its historic charm, and offers an abundance of exceptional choices for food and drink from highly acclaimed chefs and professionals.
But martini lovers must indulge in The Connaught Bar signature martini made table side with attention to every detail. The bar, with a design inspired by English and Irish 1920’s Cubist art, is not just beautiful but staffed by the best in the business, earning The Connaught the No. 1 spot on the World’s 50 Best Bar list twice and 2023 Tales of The Cocktail Spirited Awards for Assistant Director of Mixology Giorgio Bargiani and Director of Mixology Agostino Perrone. And with a successful book under their belt as well, there is no question about The Connaught Bar’s cocktail cred.
Raffles London at the OWO: Legend meets Luxury in the Old War Office
While the Raffles London at the OWO hotel is new, its location carries deep historical significance. Located in the Old War Office building in Whitehall, the site served as the headquarters for the British War Office, where pivotal military decisions were made. Winston Churchill famously delivered speeches from its jaw droppingly gorgeous staircase during World War II, rallying the nation in times of crisis. The building’s basement was the clandestine working rooms for MI6, Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service, during the war, adding a layer of espionage to its history. Now transformed into a luxury hotel, the Raffles London at the OWO preserves the legacy of a site integral to Britain’s wartime leadership and intelligence efforts. The location boasts many excellent eating and drinking opportunities, with two in particular interesting from a historical standpoint for drinks.
The Guards Bar and Lounge offers up close views of Buckingham Palace’s official entrance, Horse Guards. As with all Raffles, you can order up a Singapore Sling, or take something from their cocktail menu that proudly highlights British ingredients.
Dive even deeper into the location’s history with a visit to Spy Bar, in the basement area previously used by MI6, where James Bond creator Sir Ian Fleming spent time as a Naval Integlligence Officer. Guests enter through a door marked 007, which is no gimmick, but the original room number assigned long before the famous literary spy came to life.
The bar’s signature Vesper Martini’s tweak is a honey distillate that adds rich, floral undertones to the classic cocktail. The custom vermouth makes this version of the classic completely unique to the Spy Bar. The non-alcoholic version of their Vesper Martini is a rare achievement, as it’s uncommon to find a Martini-style cocktail without alcohol that comes close to capturing the essence of the original—yet this one does, offering a sophisticated alternative.
Just getting into the venue makes you feel like a secret agent as reservations aren’t easily securable – it’s more of an IYKYK kind of affair. Once inside, photography is prohibited, ensuring the wow-factor of the interior remains a welcome surprise for first time visitors. However, Spy Bar Manager Sotiris Konomi and team provide such a lofty level of service and drinks, that you’ll forget all about photos and just sink into the clandestine groove.
(photo credit: Jack Hardy)
The Savoy: London’s Original Luxury Hotel
As Britain’s first luxury hotel, The Savoy set new standards for comfort, service, and grandeur when it opened in 1889. It has been frequented by celebrities, discerning travellers, artists, politicians, the upper crust, and the infamous, who have left stories in their wake that only add to the legendary status of one of London’s most historic hotels.
(photo credit: Jack Hardy)
The Savoy’s American Bar, dating from 1893, is the oldest cocktail bar in London and was home to groundbreaking bartenders like as Ada “Coley” Coleman, inventor of the Hanky Panky, and Harry Craddcok, author of the iconic bar reference The Savoy Cocktail Book. The American Bar has entertained historic figures like Winston Churchill, Mark Twain, and Ernest Hemingway. Its success and superlative standards have continued to endure and evolve with the times and it’s still one of the world’s most globally recognized venues, winning many awards, including previously holding No. 1 on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. It’s a lovely spot to sip on something sophisticated while listening to talented musicians tickle the ivories of the bar’s gleaming grand piano.
(photo credit: AlexanderParnell)
The Savoy’s other bar, the Beaufort, opened much more recently, also exudes the same self-assured style of this landmark hotel. With its dark and mysterious ambience it’s the perfect yin to the yang of the bright and light American Bar, and well worth a visit.
The Dorchester: A Site Steeped in History
The storied past of the Dorchester Hotel’s site goes as far back as 1792 when the Earl of Dorchester purchased a house there. In 1853, Robert Holford replaced it with a grand Italian palazzo-style residence. By 1910, Dorchester House served as the American Embassy and later as a hospital during World War I, before being demolished in 1929 to make way for Sir Robert McAlpine’s vision of the ideal hotel. When it opened in 1931, it was the world’s first hotel constructed with reinforced concrete. During World War II, General Eisenhower stayed there while planning the Normandy invasion, a legacy commemorated in the Eisenhower Suite.
It’s also the perfect place to drink like Bond and order a Vesper Martini in their bar named after the cocktail. The Vesper Bar is not only helmed by an immensely talented staff but also captures the glamor of the 1930s with luxurious interiors featuring a Palladium leaf ceiling, marble accents, and mirrored columns. The Vesper bar evokes the opulence of transatlantic ocean travel from another time, making it a setting fit for both the site’s history and 007 himself.
It’s also well worth crossing the street to Bar 45, still within the Dorchester collection, where amiable Italian bar staff serve up a selection of steller negronis table side from a trolley for a great start – or finish – to drinks at “The Dorch.”
Rosewood London: A Sense of Place
“A Sense of Place” is Rosewood’s guiding philosophy, reflecting their commitment to celebrating the history, culture, and identity of their venues’ locations. The building that now houses the London Rosewood Hotel is a Grade II-listed Edwardian masterpiece, originally constructed between 1912 and 1914 as the headquarters for the Pearl Assurance Company. The building is notable for its grand façade, intricate interiors, and rich use of marble, all of which reflect the opulence of the early 20th century. During its time as an insurance office, it played a key role in London’s commercial history, symbolizing the prosperity of the British Empire. The restorations that transformed the original building into the Rosewood Hotel took place under the guidance of English Heritage, ensuring the preservation of its noteworthy architectural features.
While it’s near impossible to pass up pie in the Holborn Dining Room or breakfast, tea, and dinner in the delightful Mirror Room, we’re here to talk bars. So head straight for Scarfes with its inviting fireplace, brass details, and over 1,000 handpicked antique books, for a warm, traditional ambiance. The eclectic furniture collection includes comfy velvet seats, an 1870 lollipop rocking chair and 1950s cocktail chairs. Renowned British artist Gerald Scarfes’ whimsical illustrations decorate the walls and cocktail menus, providing a contemporary twist to the bar’s old school luxury. It’s the perfect mix of old and new, creating a bar that is both traditionally comforting and playfully charming in which to enjoy topnotch cocktails. Plus, there’s live music 7 nights a week.
Dukes: Freezer Martinis and Bond Mystique
Dukes Hotel occupies a building dating back to 1908, originally designed as a luxurious private residence. Over the years, it has become an iconic establishment, famed for its intimate atmosphere and connections to British royalty and aristocracy. Dukes is also known for its association with James Bond author Ian Fleming, who is said to have coined the phrase “shaken, not stirred” at the hotel’s bar. The hotel continues to embody the quintessential British sophistication, making it a beloved destination for those seeking a blend of history and luxury in London. Dukes is known world-wide for their freezer martinis, served with flourish tableside.
Whether you’re looking to relive the glamor of the past or explore new and innovative cocktails, each of these historic London hotels offers an enjoyable way to do both.
