With the help of architects & interior designers Dexter Moren Associates and RPW Designs, IHG took several years to transform the Queen Anne's Chambers, a former Government building in Westminster, into a luxury 256-bedroom property, but despite its change of use, the hotel hasn't ignored the fact that it remains within the country's political heartland.
Our interview with hotel general manager Andrew Coney reveals how he plans to cater for the hotel's political guests alongside tourists, leisure and corporate guests and how he set about staffing the property as well as the reasons for launching in the capital now.
Fitted out with an eight minute division bell, plenty of politically-themed artwork and hidden areas for discrete meetings, the hotel's drinking hub, the Blue Boar Bar has been created with politicians and those responsible for making major decisions, in mind, while its British focus is expected to attract tourists looking for an authentic experience.
Food and beverage
The Blue Boar Bar and the hotel's restaurant, the Blue Boar Smokehouse are discussed in more detail by marketing director Ed Purnell who shows us round the 110-cover restaurant which offers a menu evolving around authentic American smoke house techniques using British produce and talks about the decision to model the bar on an up-scale British pub.
Dining and drinking will be integral to the success of the hotel with a separate entrance to the restaurant and bar from the street.
We also show images of Emmeline’s a cocktail and Champagne bar named after the female political activist and the Lobby Lounge where tea, coffee and homemade cakes will be served.