Our History
Born in Mayfair
1700s
Coffee House Origins
The Berkeley begins its journey at the corner of Berkeley Street and Piccadilly as the Gloucester Coffee House, a lively departure point for the coachmen of the Western Mail. In 1897, it is reborn as The Berkeley hotel, quickly becoming a favourite among debutantes and their beaus – and especially with their parents who trust The Berkeley’s staff to keep an eye on their daughters’ reputations.
1815
Early Days
The Prince of Saxe-Coburg Hotel opens as an extension of Grillion’s Hotel, formed of two houses owned by the Duke of Westminster. Known simply as The Coburg, its first brochure is printed, and a 90-year lease is signed on the building. During the First World War, the hotel is renamed The Connaught, honouring Queen Victoria’s son, Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn.
Claridge's Opens
1856
In 1812, James Mivart opens a hotel in a house at 51 Brook Street. By 1854, William and Marianne Claridge ambitiously expand into the adjoining five buildings, officially renaming it Claridge’s in 1856.
Royal Visits
1860
As Claridge’s reputation grows, it attracts visits from Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, soon becoming a favoured retreat for heads of state and royalty across Europe
Grand Reopening
1898
Purchased by Richard D'Oyly Carte in 1893, Claridge’s closes for a significant redesign by C.W. Stephens, the architect behind Harrods. The hotel reopens in 1898 with eighty new rooms and a stunning ballroom added in 1929. Oswald Milne, a pioneer of the art deco movement, transforms the lobby.
1920
Air Conditioning Arrival
The Berkeley begins its long-term commitment to innovation, becoming one of the first hotels in London to introduce air conditioning for a more comfortable stay.
1945
Prince's Birthplace
At the request of Winston Churchill, suite 214 at Claridge’s is declared Yugoslavian territory, allowing Crown Prince Alexander II to be born on his own country’s soil. Churchill stays here following his election defeat.
1950s
Hollywood Home from Home
Along with leaders in fashion and finance, Hollywood stars adopt Claridge's as their London residence. Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Yul Brynner and Bing Crosby are all guests. Spencer Tracy famously quips he’d rather 'go to Claridge’s than heaven' when he dies.
1972 - Inspiring Staircase
Ralph Lauren is said to be so enamoured of The Connaught’s staircase in the lobby of the hotel that he installs a replica in his flagship store on Madison Avenue in New York.
1972
Knightsbridge Move
The Berkeley moves to its new home on Wilton Place in the heart of Knightsbridge. Designed by British architect Brian O’Rorke, the hotel retains original features like fireplaces in the suites and adds a swimming pool on the seventh floor.
1992
Royal Visitors
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother visits The Connaught to open the new kitchens. His Royal Highness Prince Charles visits the hotel the same year.
2000
The It Hotel
Claridge's is adopted by a new generation of models, designers, musicians and artists. Kate Moss celebrates her 30th birthday here, while Jade Jagger and Lulu Guinness describe the hotel as their ultimate treat. Alex James praises Claridge's as just "perfect" and Diane von Furstenberg unveils four rooms and suites designed as part of her debut interiors project.
Birth of the Blue Bar at The Berkeley
2000
Soon after opening, the Blue Bar, designed by David Collins, becomes an entry in little black books everywhere for the next 25 years. The bar features restored original features designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and is painted a bespoke colour created and named by David Collins as ‘Lutyens Blue’.
2005
Fashion on a Plate
Prêt-à-Portea, The Berkeley’s couture-inspired take on the traditional afternoon tea, is first served in the hotel’s former Caramel Room. It has been enjoyed by fashionistas every afternoon since.
2007
£70 Million Facelift
The Connaught re-opens after a £70 million restoration and refurbishment. Highlights include a new wing, the Aman Spa, a serene Japanese garden and David Collins' signature suite, The Apartment.
Celebrated Chef
2008
Hélène Darroze, one of the most celebrated of the new generation of French chefs, brings her Michelin-starred cuisine to The Connaught, with a menu that earns her a second Michelin star.
2008
Michelin Stars
Continuing its tradition of exceptional dining, The Berkeley welcomes Marcus Wareing, who opens his eponymous and universally praised restaurant, serving impeccable two Michelin-starred food.
2011
Water Landmark
The redevelopment of Mayfair takes another step forward with the opening of Silence, a peaceful, shimmering water feature outside The Connaught’s main entrance, created by leading Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
2011
Atelier First
Customers can design the car of their dreams at Ferrari Atelier at The Berkeley, the world’s first standalone atelier outside Italy. Its Personalisation Room, where clients can tailor their Ferraris, is modelled on the original in Maranello. The Atelier is opened by Felipe Massa.
2016
Making an Entrance
A new glass entrance façade designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners is revealed at The Berkeley, featuring two new glass pavilions that extend the Blue Bar and Collins Room (formerly the Caramel Room). The Blue Bar’s interior is refreshed, and the Collins Room given a new, lighter look, with bespoke furnishings and mirrors. All the interior design work, including to the lobby, is carried out by Robert Angell Design International. The Berkeley continues its commitment to design innovation by employing world-renowned interior designers John Heah and Helen Green Design to create new rooms and suites. These spaces are contemporary, ultra-spacious, and can be flexibly connected to form apartment-style accommodation.
2017
Culinary Collections
Renowned New York-based French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten opens a new restaurant at The Connaught, in the space overlooking Mount Street. Offering gourmet dining around the clock, the space invites both hotel guests and the local Mayfair community to savour relaxed yet elevated dishes in a contemporary space designed by John Heah.
The renowned Connaught Grill reopens in 2020. Design of the restaurant is led by interior architect John Heah, with a strong focus on art and craftsmanship, while bespoke woodwork is made by Mira Nakashima. The Connaught Patisserie also opens, showcasing the exquisite creations of Executive Pastry Chef Nicolas Rouzaud and his team, with a tempting array of cakes and pastries.
2020
The Maybourne Beverly Hills Opens
Situated within Beverly Hills’ famous Golden Triangle, The Maybourne Beverly Hills marks Maybourne’s first North American Property. Surrounded by swaying palm trees and spanning nine floors, with panoramic views overlooking the Beverly Cañon Gardens, the hotel unequivocally captures the quintessential Southern California lifestyle.
2021
Full Restoration
Led by Blair Associates Architecture, the Ballroom at Claridge’s is restored to its former grandeur, revealing striking art deco details and authentic features. From the striking three-tiered ceiling to the concealed light glinting off Palladium-leaf pilasters, every detail has been carefully considered to revive its historic elegance. The five-floor basement redevelopment houses the new Claridge’s Spa, a swimming pool, gym, wine cellar, and cutting-edge kitchen.
The Maybourne Riviera Opens
2021
Built on a rocky peninsula high above the picturesque French town of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, The Maybourne Riviera becomes Maybourne’s fifth property. The location is famed for its rich art and cultural heritage as well as spectacular beauty.
2022
Cedric Grolet arrives in the UK
French pastry chef Cedric Grolet opens his first patisserie outside of France at The Berkeley. In addition to his usual repertoire of sweet and savoury treats, the patisserie is home to an exclusive trompe-l’œil scone in homage to the classic British afternoon tea.
2023
Claridge's ArtSpace Opens
Claridge's opens the doors to its first-ever café. With interiors by British designer John Pawson, it features a patisserie counter, marble communal tables and entry down to Il Perrotin.
Dante Beverly Hills Opens
2023
The iconic restaurant and aperitivo bar Dante opens its first location outside of New York. Set atop The Maybourne Beverly Hills, ‘Dante Beverly Hills’ offers both indoor and alfresco dining alongside the rooftop pool. The new venture transports the spirit for which Dante is known to the heart of Beverly Hills, blending their beloved hospitality with Californian sensibilities.
2024
The Emory is here
The Emory officially opens its doors in Belgravia. A modern architectural masterpiece designed by the late Richard Rogers and Ivan Harbour of RSHP.
2024
Surrenne Opens
The wellness Members’ club Surrenne opens, first in Belgravia spanning four subterranean floors and then in the sunlit Côte d’Azur with panoramic views over the Mediterranean. Surrenne seamlessly blends the wonders of the earth, advancements in modern science, and cutting-edge treatments to provide a holistic approach to emotional wellbeing and physical health, sparking wonder and cultivating true longevity.
2024
abc kitchens Arrives in London
French Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten opens abc kitchens at The Emory, with a focus on fresh, organic, and sustainable produce. Vibrant and approachable, the restaurant’s glass facade offers views of Hyde Park and Knightsbridge, while the menu brings together delicious elements from a trio of Jean-Georges’ New York locations — abc kitchen, abcV and abc cocina.
2025
The Maybourne Saint-Germain
In 2025, Maybourne announced a 2027 opening for its newest development in the Parisian quarter of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, The Maybourne Saint-Germain, bringing a palace-style hotel with 101 keys and 23 ultra-luxury branded residences to Paris for the first time.
The Maybourne Saint-Germain is located along the Rive Gauche within the iconic 17th-century ilot Saint-Germain, marking a new era for the historic building. The 23 Residences will be envisioned by two renowned French interior designers, with seven by Pierre-Yves Rochon along Rue Saint-Dominque, and 16 residences by Laura Gonzalez, located on Rue de I'Université.