When The Dorchester announced plans to refresh its interiors, we knew this would be no ordinary refurb. The legendary Park Lane hotel welcomed its first guests in 1931, and has hosted a star-studded list of artists, writers and Hollywood stars over its 90-year history. Now, The Dorchester has unveiled a first look at The Promenade and The Artists’ Bar – and the results are nothing short of spectacular.
The iconic hotel brought in esteemed French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon to transform the dining area. As you would expect, no expense has been spared. The Promenade is wonderfully extravagant with striking Corinthian columns, gold leaf accents and soft sage green ceilings. Plush velvet sofas and deep pink chairs are contrasted beautifully with dark oak wood tables, while lush green plants spring from every corner.
Perhaps most impressive of all, however, is the original artworks that adorn the walls, each of which has been carefully chosen to evoke the sensation of strolling through an English country garden.
[See also: A First Look at The Dorchester’s Major Renovation]
The Promenade is set to reopen with a new modern British menu crafted by culinary director Martyn Neil. Guests can expect a decadent selection of dishes including lobster cannelloni, chicken and langoustine pie, and pumpkin and sage risotto. Indulgent desserts will round off the meal with The Dorchester’s much-loved signature Crepes Suzette flambeed tableside for a touch of theatre.
The Dorchester has also shared a first look at the interiors of its gleaming new Artists’ Bar. Set to become one of the hottest watering holes in Mayfair, the sleek black bar is adorned with Lalique crystal details and dotted with elegant dusty blue stools. Liberace’s mirrored piano takes pride of place in the center of the room beneath a sparkling chandelier.
In keeping with The Promenade, Rouchon has decorated the Artists’ Bar with original artworks including Anne Carrington’s mother-of-pearl portrait of Queen Elizabeth II inspired by a postage stamp; Ewan Easan’s map of the Hyde Park area in London rendered entirely in gold leaf with The Dorchester at its center; and Maria Rivens playful portrait of Elizabeth Taylor who was a regular guest at the hotel in the 1960s.
[See also: Jean-Philippe Blondet on his Inventive Approach to Fine Dining]