The Lanesborough in Knightsbridge reopened on 1 July after a multi-million pound renovation. The hotel vaunts 93 bedrooms, 43 suites and a new restaurant on the former site of Apsleys (RIP) called Céleste.
Let’s hope that the food can (for once) live up to the locale and the often “terrifying” prices of the past.
It certainly sounds as though the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, as well as operator Oetker Collection which will run the hotel day-to-day, have big plans for the place. They’ve flown in Eric Frechon of Le Bristol Paris (much-loved by the Michelin men) to oversee the food and beverage operation, while his protégé Florian Favario heads up the kitchen.
Fair to say the restaurant at the Lanesborough has never found fame for its food. As far back as ’95 our survey reported that the cuisine was “simply not up to scratch”, although they did recommend it for breakfast or afternoon tea and for the amusingly OTT décor.
The hotel, then managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts under its luxury St Regis brand, closed in 2014 and, after a 19-month renovation it has unveiled a brand new look for its rooms and restaurant. Restaurant reservations are available on a request basis, while accommodation can be booked from 15 July.
The new look Lanesborough, designed by Alberto Pinto, also features seven private dining rooms, the Garden Room cigar lounge and the Library bar. Room rates start from a rather dizzying £715.
