The refurbishment, which was originally pegged upon its closure in December 2007 to cost £100m, finally cost the hotel £220m as reported problems with the fabric of the building caused delay and doubled the project’s cost.
Once open the Fairmont-managed hotel will feature 268 bedrooms and suites, with Edwardian and Art Deco interiors designed by Pierre Yves Rochon, plus the addition of a new two-bedroom Royal Suite and 38 River Suites with views of the Thames.
The hotel’s River Restaurant, which previously served only breakfast and Sunday brunch, has been completely remodelled and will reintroduce lunch and dinner once open.
The Savoy reopening will also see the launch of the Art Deco Beaufort Bar, which will serve Champagne and cocktails, as well as Savoy Tea, a bijou teashop selling Savoy tea and fresh patisserie.
The Savoy Grill
Also reopening along with the hotel will be Gordon Ramsay Holdings’ Savoy Grill, led by chef patron Stuart Gillies and head chef Andy Cook, which will incorporates a private dining room for 50 covers plus a chef’s table situated in the kitchen.
In an interview with Restaurant magazine, Gordon Ramsay said he intended to revisit the famous Georges Escoffier menu and reinvent it for the Savoy Grill.
“The Savoy Grill is one of the most significant dining rooms of London, with an incredible heritage,” he said. “My inspiration is going to be Escoffier, who had such a fundamental influence on restaurant dining in this country and who has been out of fashion in recent times. We will rework many of his classic dishes as well as creating brand new dishes inspired by his style and technique.
“I was incredibly proud to have won the first Michelin star for the Grill in 2004 and am looking forward to turning the page of history again and creating the next incarnation of this incredible restaurant.
Three-year closure
Kiaran MacDonald, general manager of The Savoy, said: “We are very excited to reopen The Savoy. It is fair to say that this project has not been without its challenges, but we are looking forward to unveiling the results of nearly three years of hard work and dedication.
“We are very aware of the place that The Savoy holds in many people’s affections and we firmly believe that the hotel will exceed people’s expectations and reclaim its position as one of the world’s great hotels.”
Also returning to The Savoy will be the glass-domed winter garden gazebo, in which the hotel will serve afternoon tea. A glass enclosed fitness suite plus rooftop swimming pool – one of a few in the city – will also be introduced.