The Londoner finally opened its doors this week, proclaiming itself to be “the world’s first super boutique hotel”.
The 350-room property had originally been due to open in the summer of 2020, but this was pushed back several times due to the onset of Covid-19.
The hotel is located on the southwest corner of Leicester Square, forming part of the redeveloped Odeon West End site, and is being dubbed the UK’s “deepest” hotel, with the lowest floor some 30 metres below ground – almost as deep as the property is tall.
In August owner Edwardian Hotels unveiled its lineup of food and beverage outlets, with a total of six restaurants and bars, including the rooftop Japanese izakaya lounge 8 at The Londoner which features indoor and outdoor seating, a Shima Garden, and dishes by head chef Kuenhi Won, previously of Nobu.
The ground floor signature restaurant Whitcomb’s will open on September 16, and will offer contemporary French cooking with influences from surrounding Mediterranean cuisines, while other venues include Joshua’s Tavern, inspired by 18th-century portrait artist and Leicester Square local Sir Joshua Reynolds, and The Stage lobby restaurant and bar centred around champagne.
Meanwhile The Retreat spa and wellness centre is situated four floors below ground level, and features a pool, juice bar, sauna, steam room and hydro-pool.
It is shaping up to be a busy month for new hotel openings in the UK capital – last week Pan Pacific Hotels Group unveiled its long-awaited London property, with the opening of a 237-room hotel close to Liverpool Street station.
For our recent look at new and forthcoming hotels in London, see:
