One of London’s most lauded luxury destinations, The Langham, celebrated a stately 150 years as a hotel last week. I tagged along for some of the birthday fun and had a peek at what’s new and upcoming for this upscale mainstay of impeccable hospitality.
Where else in London (or anywhere in the world for that matter) are you apt to have Theo Walcott bump into (and kindly apologise for it) while waiting for the lift for a viewing of a new, expansive and ultra-lux club lounge? Yes, that would be the Langham. It’s as conveniently situated as any accommodation can be, but in case you can’t find just off Regent Street, just look for the lavish palatial building where there’s probably a cluster of fans waiting to see [insert name of whatever celebrities are among the most adored by the public at the moment and happens to be visiting London], because there’s a good chance they’re staying at the Langham.
During my dash through the hotel at the onset of its birthday festivities, all the talk was about Lady Gaga. Was she in the building? On her way? Was she going to jump out of that giant cake made to look like the hotel? In the end, she made an appearance and help to Executive Pastry Chef Cherish Finden slice the first pieces. I had unfortunately moved on by then to cover another commitment, but not without having a quick look at the digs, along with a nibble or two and an elbow bend at the bar.
In addition to the new club lounge with butler service, media room, shower facilities and more (more! more!), there’s a soon-to-launch six-room suite as well as re-up and bolstered commitment on the part of the hotel and father and son chefs Albert Roux and Michel Roux Jr. Now even the room service is under their guidance.
At Artesian, the hotel bar (voted World’s Best Bar for the past three years by The World’s 50 Best Bars) nothing appeared to be new or different. And that’s a good thing I reckon. If it ain’t broke … And to my eyes’ and taste buds’ delight, everything at this fantastic watering hole famed for its fun, innovative and somewhat wacky cocktails was working perfectly fine.
The Langham London is located at 1C Portland Place, Regent Street, W1B 1JA. Find out more at langhamhotels.com.
