A London institution is set to welcome guests again in the spring of next year, following an agreement with Minor Hotels that will see it join the Minor Reserve Collection.
Dukes London, the historic Edwardian-era luxury boutique hotel tucked away in a quiet cobbled courtyard in the heart of St James’s, opened its doors in 1908 and has over the years hosted statesmen and celebrities in its 85 rooms and suites.
Its proximity to St James’s Palace has given rise to one of the hotel’s more colourful royal anecdotes, when Princess Eugenie’s husband, Jack Brooksbank, once revealed that a secret tunnel reportedly runs from the palace directly to Dukes Bar, although he admitted he never “yet” used it himself.
Ian Fleming, one of the hotel’s famous regulars, wrote there and kept a favourite table in the bar. It was at Dukes that he is said to have come up with the now iconic Vesper Martini for James Bond, made with gin, vodka and only a small amount of vermouth.
Dukes is said to have hosted Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan after they found out they had landed the role of 007, who reportedly celebrated with the famous martinis.
The bar takes its role seriously. Martinis have become something of a ceremony, prepared from its tableside trolley by a white-tuxedoed mixologist. The renovations need not worry patrons of the famous bar, as it has remained open throughout and will continue to do so until completion of the works.
The transformation is being led by Russell Sage Studio, which is revamping the hotel’s rooms and suites, including 13 executive suites and five signature suites inspired by notable characters and the rich heritage of St James’s.
When it reopens, Dukes will also boast a new restaurant in partnership with the Wolseley Hospitality Group, featuring well-known London restaurants including the Wolseley and the Delaunay.
Another addition will be The Delany Drawing Room, currently operating as a lounge and bar, and serving no less than 160 whiskies, alongside champagne and cocktails.
Once the hotel fully reopens next year, its conservatory and secluded garden will also provide a setting for afternoon tea, private parties and receptions.
“Bringing Minor Reserve Collection to the UK through Dukes London is a defining moment for the brand,” said William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels. “Few hotels capture the character and heritage of London quite like Dukes.”
The agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between Minor Hotels and Seven Tides, which owns hospitality assets in Dubai and London. Dukes will be the two companies’ first hotel project together in Europe.
Ghanim Bin Sulayem, Group CEO and Managing Director of Seven Tides, also paid tribute to the hotel’s staff, saying their contribution had been instrumental in preserving “the character and service excellence that define this iconic property”.
Until the hotel reopens, however, Dukes Bar remains very much in business. Its legendary martini can still be had, but be prepared to pay handsomely for the privilege of a frozen “shaken, not stirred” legendary drink.
