Crowne Plaza London - The City to launch destination bar Voltaire

The launch of Voltaire on 14 February will kick off a busy year for the property following the completion of a £2m refurb project last year.

Speaking to BigHospitality, Anthony Worrall, the newly-appointed general manager, revealed there were other 'exciting' projects to come to continue with the refresh of the property's food and beverage options.

"We are now looking at exciting plans for a roof venue as well," said Worrall. Currently the hotel operates two other restaurants plus a hotel lobby bar.

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) originally approached Worrall for the job in order to refresh the hotel's F&B offering following his success with Hilton Worldwide at The Trafalgar hotel where he launched rooftop bar Vista.

The recent refurb and upcoming projects have been driven by the hotel's owner, Dubai businessman Mr. Galadari.

Voltaire​

With an expectation that around 80 per cent of the bar's customers will not be staying at the New Bridge Street hotel, Voltaire is being launched firmly as a destination venue.

"A core element of the design of Voltaire had to be a standalone high street entrance," Worrall explained. "I don't expect destination customers having to progress through a lobby of a hotel, as beautiful as it might be, to reach the venue."

The team have worked hard to create a new identity and customer journey for the bar - hotel guests will equally feel like they have been taken to a different destination as opposed to simply the hotel bar.

The venue will have the capacity for 150 drinkers to enjoy the the capital’s largest collection of Pommery Champagne, an al fresco cigar terrace and a vault bar with nine spaces of various sizes. The Vaults at Voltaire will allow groups from 2-12 people to drink in a private space.

"It is really exciting to give the City a really sexy destination venue," said Worrall. "There is a point of sale, a talking point, and elements of Voltaire that are truly unique in terms of space and in terms of offer. There are thousands of executive people that work within a mile radius of Voltaire and don't have such a facility.

"I am really excited about being able to bring what I guess you would normally expect to see in Mayfair or the West End to the City instead of the City having to go out there," he added.

Pommery​

The Grade II-listed space has been transformed rapidly from the Nineteen Below bar which previously operated in the location.

Named in honour of the famous French philosopher who lived in London for six years, Voltaire will specialise in Champagne from the Reims-based house Pommery.

A Pommery Library will showcase a large collection of bottles from half bottles through to the nine litre Salmanazar size. The Champagne producer has also created a bespoke, limited edition POP bottle designed to mark the launch of Voltaire.

The 360-degree bar, which will straddle both the main area and the outside terrace, will also feature an extensive drinks list, including a sharing cocktail for ten.

Meanwhile the venue will also feature The Volts Spa - a partnership with Temple Spa.