London, Monday 26 January 2015): Tomorrow, an army of British craftsmen, painters, artists, designers and guilders will descend upon The Goring as it closes its doors for the final flourish of its top-to-toe designer renovation. The family-owned luxury Belgravia hotel will reopen on Saturday 21 February, just in time for its 105th birthday celebrations.
The reopening also sees the arrival of a fleet of handsome footmen, channelling Downton Abbey luxury and true-blue aristocratic service. The footmen, in full regalia, will be on hand to fulfil every wish of The Goring’s ever-valued guests.
Other delights to be revealed at The “new” Goring include an in-room evening cocktail service and, later in the year, an exquisite éclair trolley – a chic addition to the ever-popular afternoon tea.
The renovation has involved not just one, but four, major English interior designers – Nina Campbell (suites); Tim Gosling (The Bar & Lounge, The Terrace and suites); David Linley (The Dining Room); and Russell Sage (rooms and suites and the Royal Suite) – who will complete the transformation with a glamorous new look for the Front Hall, whilst the hotel is closed.
Russell has been working with Fromental, makers of exquisite handmade wallpapers and fabrics, whose designs already grace some of The Goring’s best suites. For the Front Hall, Fromental’s artists are working on a whimsical scene, hand-painted to Russell’s brief: imagine if all the animals from London Zoo had escaped into the park. The result is an English countryside – with exotic wild animals hiding behind the trees and in the bushes.
The focal point of the new look Front Hall will be an impressive reception desk designed especially for the space, evoking the grandeur of Georgian Chippendale furniture. A specialist commission of Gainsborough Silk – another Goring favourite – will adorn the windows, echoing the sumptuousness of the bedrooms and suites upstairs. Leaving nothing untouched, Russell Sage has turned his attention to the restaurant entrance lobby, with a fresh new look, in line with the calm ambience of the Dining Room itself. And the Gentleman’s loo will be refitted in black and white marble, adding more comfort and luxury.
Jeremy Goring explains:
“Even through two World Wars, The Goring has never closed. However, we really wanted to give Russell Sage and all the craftsmen space to complete this total renovation. We will then emerge, even better – and ready for the next 100 years to come. And our new Goring footmen will really add another dimension to our service.”
