HistoryThe hotel was built in 1889 by Richard D' Oyly Carte the impresario famous
for his staging of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. D' Oyly Carte had opened The
Savoy Theatre in 1881 and the hotel built next door to the theatre to
cater to the guests leaving the Theatre after the performances. Rupert D'
Oyly Carte succeeded his father in 1901 and it under was under his chairmanship
that the art deco renovation of the hotel and the theatre took place leding to
the interesting marriage of styles that can be seen today.
The Savoy is ideally located between the city and the West Ebd of
London, close to Trafalgar Square and the National gallery. Built in 1889 on the
banks of Thames, the hotel commands sweeping views of the river and the city
beyond, a view immortalised by Monet during his stay at the Hotel. Covent Garden
Piazza,with its lively atmosphere, shops and streets performance is nearby and
Royal Opera House, English National Opera and many theatres are with in easy
walking destance. It was partly the Hortel's proximity to London's theatres that
established its reputation as a `home from home´ for visiting celebrities and
over the years The Savoy has played host to a myriad of international stars of
stage and screen. The Heathrow airport is 45 min.by car, Gatwick Airport is
2 hours by car, Eurostar Terminal is 10 min. by car, Vuictoria station is 15min.
by car, Covent Garden is 5 min. walk from the hotel, Underground is 5 min. waik
fom the hotel, British Rail is 5 min. waik from the hotel.
Prior to the opening of The Savoy in 1889, its owners wanted to create
something very special. The Savoy was to be a destination hotel that was truly
unique where impeccable service was of paramount importance. The great Cesar
Ritz was commissioned to manage the hotel and the renowned Georges-Auguste
Esscoffier was secured as Head of Restaurant Services. The hotel thrived under
their direction and the stage was set for a tradition that continues to this
day.
Chef Fuchs is responsible for all meals served in the Thames Foyer, In-Room
Dining and for all private dining and banqueting events. In the Michelin starred
Savoy Grill and more informal Banquette the
superb cuisine of chef/patron Marcus Wareing can be enjoyed. Each restaurant has
its own style and character but all are united in their unswerving pursuit of
excellence.
The Savoy Hotel includes:
- The Savoy Grill
- The American Bar
- Banquette
- The Thames Foyer
- Afternoon Tea
- Laurent Perrier Bar
- The Grand Divan, Simpson`s in the strand
- Theatre Tea in the Thames Foyer
The savoy Grill
Since reopening in May 2003 after a stunning refurbishment by American
designer Barbara Barry, The Savoy Grill is thriving.
Barbara has risen bravely to the challenge of keeping true to the heritage of
The Savoy's unique history and provided a retreat for The Savoy Grill's loyal
clientele. The famous and beloved banquettes have been dressed in bold neutral
stripes, the gold leaf ceiling adds a touch of drama and the rich wood paneling
has been restored to its original cognac shades.
Although the decor is breathtaking, the food continues to take center stage.
Under the guiding hand of Marcus Wareing, one of the country's premier chefs,
the new menu reflects modern European in all its glory. Guest response has been
swift and quite unanimous. The highly acclaimed cuisine has generated a loyal
following, including Michelin as recognized by the awarding of One Michelin
Star.
Hours of Operation:
Lunch is served from noon to 2:45 p.m. Monday to Friday and from noon to 3:30
p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Dinner is served from 5:45 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 6:00
p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Dress Code:
Smart, with a jacket preferred.
The American Bar
The American Bar first opened in the late 1890's and has been a stylish
meeting place for hotel guests and Londoners ever since.
In the 1920's The Savoy employed Harry Craddock, an American barman who greatly
influenced the London cocktail scene by inventing the 'White Lady' and
popularizing such classics as the 'Dry Martini'.
To complete the mood, a Jazz Pianist performs from 7:00 p.m. to 12.00 midnight
Monday to Thursday and from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Saturday, 2:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Closed on Sunday
Starting on April 4, 2005, the new hours will be:
Monday to Saturday, 12:00 p.m.. noon to 1:00 a.m.
Sunday, 12:00 p.m., noon to 10:30 p.m.
Dress Code:
Smart casual attire is required.
Banquette
Banquette, the new upstairs restaurant over The Savoy Grill, is Marcus
Wareing's take on an American diner. With its chic interior and tempting menu it
is destined to become the most sophisticated diner in town bringing a touch of
fun and informality to The Savoy.
Barbara Barry's American design for the restaurant evokes the interior of a
1950's Corvette Stingray with a palette of tomato red, ivory, brown with
stainless steel and streamlined banquettes that stretch the entire length of the
restaurant. The generously proportioned cream leather banquette seating provides
diners with a vibrant setting for relaxed eating.
Overlooking the entrance of The Savoy, the 40-seat Banquette is an ideal spot
for the theatergoer or shopper. Amongst the many enticing dishes on offer will
be deep-fried king prawns, chili mayonnaise, Cumberland sausages with onion
gravy and traditional Shepherds pie together with desserts, which include warm
brownie, vanilla ice cream and banana panna cotta.
Under the direction of Marcus Wareing, Josh Emett leads the kitchen team and
oversees a menu varying from light salads to an optional three-course meal. With
its relaxed menu and retro design, it provides a welcome contrast to the more
formal surroundings of The Savoy Grill, giving diners their first ever
opportunity to enjoy a truly informal bite at The Savoy Hotel.
Hours of Operation:
Banquette is open continuously for lunch and dinner from 12.00 noon to 12:00
midnight, seven days a week.
Dress Code:
Casual
The Thames Foyer
Relax and soak up the ambiance in the elegant Thames Foyer, where Noel Coward
performed, Caruso sang and Pavlova danced in Cabaret.
The Thames Foyer is open throughout the day for Continental breakfast, morning
coffee and light lunches as well as providing a full dinner menu during the
evening.
A pianist plays during Afternoon Tea Monday to Friday 2:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and
Saturday and Sunday between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Evening cocktails are also complemented by the sounds of the piano from Sunday
to Thursday 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and a Jazz Duo play from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30
p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
High Time For A Theatre Tea
Commencing April 4, 2005, between 5:30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m., The Savoy will
be offering guests the perfect meal to enjoy in the early evening before
visiting the theatre, cinema or concert hall - The Savoy Theatre Tea.
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Dress Code:
Smart casual attire
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea has been served at The Savoy throughout its entire history. Served
in the famous Thames Foyer and accompanied by the sounds of the resident
pianist, Afternoon Tea consists of a mouth-watering array of sandwiches with a
variety of fresh fillings, delicate pastries, teacakes and scones with clotted
cream and strawberry preserve.
There is a wide range of distinct blends of tea to choose from, imported by
specialist tea suppliers from around the world.
The introduction of Afternoon Tea, a quintessentially English tradition, is
usually credited to Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, in the early 1800s.
The Duchess grew hungry between an early luncheon and a late dinner and
conceived the idea of a separate meal. This was served in her boudoir in the
mid-afternoon to ward off her own - and her guests' - hunger pangs. This
delightful tradition lives on at The Savoy today.
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday, two seatings:
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Starting February 19, 2005
Saturday and Sunday, three seatings:
12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Dress Code:
Smart casual attire
Laurent Perrier Bar
The stylish lounge is the first bar in the UK to offer the complete range of
Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Founded in 1812, Laurent-Perrier is recognised
throughout the world as one of the finest champagne houses. The Laurent Perrier
Bar will enable guests to enjoy a selection of Laurent-Perrier's most famous
vintages.
The art deco heritage of The Savoy and the classic label of Laurent-Perrier
champagne inspired Barbara Barry's design. Barbara has used taupe, silver blue
and black throughout the space. The bar, wrapped in black and ashen taupe
leather, is evocative of Deco period architecture.
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Saturday, 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Closed on Sunday
Dress Code:
Smart, casual attire is required
The Grand Divan, Simpson's-in-the-Strand
This grand, oak-paneled room is the heart and soul of
Simpson's-in-the-Strand. Under gently lit chandeliers, the day starts with the
Great British breakfast before continuing with other classics such as potted
shrimps, game in season and our daily specials prepared by Head Chef Paul
Muddiman.
A world apart from nouvelle cuisine and fusion food, Simpson's still finds new
generations that appreciate the qualities of stability and reliability in
serving genuine, fine English food; our original aim that we continue to
espouse.
With its intimate booths, polished wood paneling and ornate plaster ceiling The
Grand Divan provides the ideal luxurious setting to discover delicious roast
joints of beef and lamb, still carved from the silver-domed trolleys that made
Simpson's-in-the-Strand famous. And don't forget Simpson's proper English
puddings such as bread and butter or treacle sponge.
A special treat is 'Scottish Angus' beef' aged for 28 days - a superb
flavor that is unparalleled. Served in the traditional way with roast potatoes
and Yorkshire pudding, the dish joins a menu of 'Classic British Favorites' that
illustrate the wealth of quality ingredients available in Britain today.
Hours of Operation:
Breakfast
Monday to Friday 7:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Lunch
Monday to Saturday 12:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Sunday 12:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Dinner
Monday to Saturday 5:45 p.m. to 10:45 p.m.
Sunday 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Closed Christmas and Boxing Day
Dress Code:
Lunch: Jacket and tie preferred
Dinner: Smart, casual attire
Knight's Bar, Simpson's-in-the-Strand
Adjoining West Room is Knight's Bar. Enjoy the relaxed, cool atmosphere while
sipping modern cocktails and old favorites, including 16 versions of the classic
martini.
This beautifully art deco styled piano cocktail bar is situated along West Room
on the first floor. It features a black granite-topped bar at the center of the
room with dramatically lit, hand-painted front panels in an antique gold and
silver chessboard design. Rich velour upholstery fabrics cover the sofas and
banquette seats.
Knight's Bar has live piano music, Monday to Saturday, from 6:00 p.m. to
10:00 p.m. performed by various London Jazz artists.
Please Note:
Due to the historic nature of the building and the absence of an elevator, the
Knight's Bar is not wheelchair accessible.
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday - Closed
Dress Code:
Smart, casual attire is required
Theatre Tea in The Thames Foyer
Commencing April 4, 2005, The Savoy will be offering guests the perfect
meal to enjoy in the early evening before visiting the theatre, cinema or
concert hall - The Savoy Theatre Tea.
A cross between the dainty sandwiches, scones and pastries of the classic
English afternoon tea and the more substantial hot dishes that constitute a
British 'high tea', usually served later in the day, the Theatre Tea offers the
best of both.
Hours of Operation:
Daily from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Dress Code:
Smart casual attire
