Luxury hospitality group Belmond will open its first London
hotel in early 2019.
Located in the heart of the Chelsea neighborhood, the
tony Belmond Cadogan was built in the 1800s and was previously known as The Cadogan,
famous for having once been the home of Victorian-era actress Lillie Langtry as
well as a London pied-a-terre of poet and playwright Oscar Wilde. The Cadogan
closed in July 2014, with developer Cadogen Estates recently completing a $48
million restoration of the hotel.
As part of the renovation, the property's public areas have
been refurbished and the guestrooms have been reconfigured. Previously housing
64 rooms, the hotel now has 54, with more space being dedicated to junior suites
and suites. Many of the hotel's original design details have been preserved,
with wood paneling, working fireplaces and stained-glass windows on display
throughout the property.
The Belmond Cadogan will serve as a showcase for
restaurateur Adam Handling, who has been named the property's executive chef.
He will oversee the F&B offerings at the hotel's restaurant, which will be
named Adam Handling, Chelsea. Offering a sustainable and modern twist on
British cuisine, the standalone dining venue will have its own entrance and
feature an open kitchen, wood-fired oven and chef's tables.
At the hotel's Cadogan Tea Lounge, Handling has put together
a nostalgia-inspired Afternoon Tea menu, which will feature a selection of
cakes, cookies and chocolates prepared in-house. Additionally, he has curated a
selection of classic cocktails and British cheeses and charcuterie, which will
be available at the Belmond Cadogan's bar. Bottled classic cocktails, created
exclusively at Handling's Hoxton-based bar lab, will be stocked in each room's
minibar.
Other hotel amenities include access to private gardens and
tennis courts. Guests receive a breakfast box of pastries, croissants, bread
and crumpets each morning.
This report was updated to change the expected opening date of the hotel.