For the first time in 200 years, guests can stay at the historic former home of the Metropolitan Police Service in Westminster, London, as Great Scotland Yard has opened its doors to the public after having been reborn as a five-star luxury hotel.
Located on the famous street that gave the institution its name, the pet-friendly hotel is just a stone’s throw away from Covent Garden, and includes a fitness centre and a private member’s club. The unique 1820’s Grade II listed building boasts Edwardian and Victorian architecture and has 152 rooms, including 15 suites and one standalone Town House. No two rooms are the same, while they all offer incredible views of London.
“This building is an icon hiding a century and more of dark and infamous secrets. We were challenged to keep the soul of the building and pay homage to its heritage rather than just bringing new life to old walls. Our design team created a destination that invites guests to experience the rich history of the building through new eyes as they enter a place where the past and present merge,” said HBA Design Partner David T’Kint, who designed the new identity of the Great Scotland Yard.
The hotel is also home to over 600 new works of art commissioned from 28 creatives, while antique curiosities and memorabilia linked to the history of crime and detective work are also on show.
The Yard restaurant on site offers dishes such as chicken thigh, leek and truffle terrine with raw Scottish scallops, roast monkfish with turnips, yuzu and xo sauce, and apple tart tatin with quince puree, vanilla and salted popcorn parfait. The 40 Elephants is the hotel’s bar, and central hub, and serves up coffee, cocktails and craft beer, as well as food. Another bar called Sibín – inspired by the illicit bars that originated in Ireland around the turn of the seventeenth century also serves up snacks and drinks in a cosy, intimate setting, while The Parlour specialises in afternoon tea experiences.
Room prices start at £430. More information is available at the official Great Scotland Yard Hotel website.
