The Peninsula London Opens, Welcoming Guests in Belgravia

The Peninsula London Opens, Welcoming Guests in Belgravia

Decades in the making, it is the first British hotel (and the 12th overall) from the almost century-old Peninsula brand. It is a perfect display of The Peninsula’s ethos to show off the best of every city through art, hospitality, cuisine and philanthropy – with intention and longevity at the forefront. The Peninsula London has been designed and appointed to embody the finest craftsmanship in collaboration with Britain's most creative minds.

The hotel, impeccably designed by Hopkins Architects to harmonize with surrounding heritage architecture, embodies a sleek, spacious aesthetic that fills with natural light. The property centers around an expansive, off-street courtyard, landscaped by celebrated designer Enzo Enea with climbing jasmine and wisteria vines, and two 120-year-old Japanese maples (the oldest trees of their kind in Europe). This cobble-paved central forecourt, rare in bustling Belgravia, allows guests to arrive in discreet style – and to avail themselves of transport in the hotel’s luxury automotive fleet, which includes Rolls-Royce Phantom IIs, hybrid Bentley Bentaygas, an electrified 1960 vintage Austin taxi, and a painstakingly restored 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom Sedanca de Ville.

Guest Accommodations

World-renowned interior designer Peter Marino has created a calm and refined aesthetic, with light-filled spaces inspired by grand British houses and surrounding nature. The Peninsula London’s 131 guest rooms and 59 suites start at 538 square feet in size and feature bespoke furnishings, textiles, and original artworks that evoke the feel of chic private residences. All include mahogany-paneled dressing rooms, bathrooms of honey onyx stoneware, and customized fittings crafted by renowned British artisans; many have floor-to-ceiling windows with unparalleled views over Wellington Arch and historic Belgravia. Additionally, 25 exclusive luxury residences offer The Peninsula’s combination of heritage, glamour, and highly personalized service for owners.

World-Class Dining

On the eighth floor, the hotel’s signature rooftop restaurant, Brooklands, offers Modern British cuisine from Michelin-starred Chef Director Claude Bosi as well as top-flight libations in a collection of spaces inspired by the classic eras of British aviation and motorsport by architects Archer Humphreys. It comprises a sleek main dining room with a sweeping outdoor terrace with enchanting views, where an overhead scale model of the iconic Concorde gives diners the sense of being airborne, and an automotive-themed bar whose décor incorporates rare motoring memorabilia and a rotating display of original classic race cars from the Brooklands racetrack and museum. An exclusive cigar tasting lounge, helmed by Manu Harit, certified “Master of Havana Cigars,” complete with a walk-in humidor with private cigar lockers will be available.

On the ground floor, Canton Blue will celebrate the spice-trade union of Asian and British cultures with menus of creative Chinese dishes by Chef Dicky To, along with cocktails, and artisanal teas. The space’s exotic décor, created by esteemed Hong Kong-based interior designer Henry Leung of CAP Atelier, was inspired by the Keying junk, a three-masted, 800-ton Chinese trading ship that sailed between China and Britain between 1846 and 1848. Much as the Keying was a symbol of the transfer of Chinese culture to London, so too will Canton Blue act to share Cantonese cuisine with London. Like the Keying’s upper deck, the restaurant is divided into several areas at different levels – including the ground-floor Little Blue Bar, where guests can cozy up for intimate cocktails inspired by the flavors of the East.

And at The Lobby, traditional Peninsula Afternoon Tea and globally inspired fare are served beneath soaring ceilings and often accompanied by live music. A more casual offering, including fresh-made salads, sandwiches, and sweets, is available throughout the day at The Peninsula Boutique and Café.

“Best of British” Creative Collaborators

  • Jenny Packham, whose fashion collections are favored among international celebrities and dignitaries, has – in her first hotel partnership – designed an original, bespoke wardrobe for colleagues at The Peninsula London. The garments, which take inspiration from both ‘60s-era British style icons and traditional Asian designs, employ thoughtful tailoring and impeccable attention to detail. The resulting ensembles aim to inspire and empower the more than 500 hotel team members who will wear them.
  • More than 40 artists from The Royal Drawing School were commissioned by The Peninsula London to create original artwork for the hotel’s interiors. Nearly 200 such works – all of which depict British landscapes in a variety of styles and media – now grace the property’s guest rooms and suites. The Royal Drawing School, which offers an outstanding free or low-cost arts education to over 1,000 people each week, was founded by King Charles III to support Britain’s distinctive artistic heritage.
  • Aiming to grow more in less space and bring down food miles whilst operating on 100% renewable energy, cutting edge AgTech company Zero Carbon Farms will provide The Peninsula London with a dedicated tenant plot in their first working farm in Clapham, London. Located in a disused air raid shelter some 33 m/108 ft underground, this future-proofed and sustainable solution for growing will supply purpose-grown salad greens and herbs to the hotel’s food outlets.

Guest Amenities

The Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre, opening in November, will offer a diverse array of relaxation and well-being choices – including an extensive menu of mind-body therapies, a results-driven wellness program, a fully equipped fitness studio, and a 82-foot indoor swimming pool. For guests who enjoy high-end shopping, the hotel’s ground-floor retail arcade entices with nine luxury boutiques, including Asprey London, DMR – David M Robinson Jewellery and Watches, Mouawad, Moussaieff Diamonds, opening before Christmas.

Also available from November, the hotel’s special event venues also make an indelible impression. The grandest space, the St. George Ballroom, offers two elevators, which are large enough for motorcars and can accommodate up to 450 banquet guests. Other options include a collection of refined and configurable conference rooms, ranging from spacious to intimate, and a plush private cinema for film screenings for up to 15 guests. All venues are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure seamless functionality and include the attentive service of the hotel’s special-event team.

In December, four signature suites, three of which enjoy sweeping private balconies and terraces, will make for splendid venues for special-occasion gatherings. The Peninsula Suite, the hotel’s most opulent suite, includes a private screening room and fitness center.

As with all Peninsula properties, this one also offers guests the superb comfort and flawless attention to detail that are synonymous with the brand. Whether via in-room amenities and technology; inspiring, destination-specific arts programs and cultural experiences; or global proprietary services like Peninsula Time (fully flexible check-in and check-out) and PenChat (access to a 24-hour digital concierge), the hotel exemplifies The Peninsula’s enduring commitment to its guests and larger community.

All Things British

In tandem with the opening of The Peninsula London, The Peninsula will welcome guests at all its hotels to enjoy a taste of British culture with a series of special amenities and menus. Morning diners at the hotels’ signature Lobby restaurants will be able to choose from a variety of favorite British breakfast dishes – such as Kedgeree, and fully cooked English Breakfast. Overnight guests will also be treated to a delicious selection of English toffee and handmade fudge as turn-down amenities in every Peninsula room and suite. Peninsula guests can also opt for a special British Afternoon Tea, featuring classic British dishes such as Coronation Chicken Sandwich, Eton Mess Roulade and Trifle.