In 2012, a dazzling five-star hotel opened its doors near London’s Trafalgar Square, marking the return of an iconic establishment. This was not a new hotel but rather the revival of a grand old dame that had been absent for decades. Unlike many contemporary central London hotels, which are often housed in repurposed banks or newspaper offices, the Corinthia London occupies a historic structure with deep roots in the city's hospitality heritage.
The building that now hosts the Corinthia London originally opened in 1885 as the Metropole Hotel. Its creator, Frederick Gordon (1835-1904) of Herefordshire, was a renowned figure in the British hospitality industry. Known as the “Napoleon of the Hotel World” at the end of the nineteenth century, a title he likely coined himself, Gordon was a visionary entrepreneur.
The Rise of Frederick Gordon and the Metropole
Gordon began his career as a lawyer but shifted his focus to hospitality in his late thirties. Recognizing a need for upscale dining establishments in London, he began opening elegant restaurants across the city during the 1870s, a time when the British capital, though wealthy, lacked refined dining options. From there, it was a natural progression to building hotels where these diners could also stay overnight. By the 1880s, Gordon had established himself as the premier developer for grand hotel projects in London.
London was then the largest city in the world, enriched by the vast British Empire. Capital was abundant, and Gordon seized the opportunity to create luxurious accommodations even before other notable hoteliers like Richard D’Oyly Carte, who opened the Savoy Hotel in 1889.
Gordon’s portfolio of hotels was impressive. He developed the Grand Hotel in Trafalgar Square, which overshadowed its neighbor, the Metropole Hotel. He also built and managed the Burlington Hotel in Eastbourne, the Brighton Metropole, the Hotel Metropole in Cannes, and the elegant Hotel Metropole in Monte Carlo, where he ultimately passed away in his own suite in 1904.
The Rebirth of the Metropole as the Corinthia London
In 2007, the historic Metropole Building and the adjacent complex at 10 Whitehall Place were purchased for £130 million by a consortium from Malta, Libya, and Dubai. By September 2008, the City of Westminster council had greenlit the transformation of these buildings into a hotel and residential complex.
The unique triangular building reopened in 2012 as the Corinthia London, managed by the Maltese Corinthia Group. The adjoining 10 Whitehall Place was developed into 12 luxurious residences. The hotel's ballroom fittingly hosted the announcement of the James Bond movie "Skyfall" in November of that same year.
Today, the Corinthia London is more glamorous than ever. The meticulous three-year refurbishment has resulted in a hotel that exudes opulence and sophistication. It boasts 263 bedrooms, including 51 suites and seven penthouses, and a four-storey spa. The Jacobean Library has been transformed into Kerridge’s Bar & Grill, helmed by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge. The Restaurant des Ambassadeurs, now called the Northall Restaurant, sits at the building's triangular apex, its name cleverly blending Northumberland Avenue and Whitehall.
Having recently stayed at the Corinthia London, I can attest to its exceptional hospitality, service, and cuisine. In Britain, there's a common sentiment that "things ain't what they used to be," but at the Corinthia, things have arguably never been better. The hotel stands as a testament to luxury and tradition, beautifully revived for the modern age.
