The Berkeley, then and now
Dating back as far as the 1700s when it existed simply as a coffee shop on the corner of Berkeley Street and Piccadilly, it wasn’t until 1897 that it expanded and became officially named The Berkeley hotel. From this point forward it carved out a reputation for being one of the most innovative and forward-thinking hotels in the city; from air conditioning to double-glazing, The Berkeley found itself a forerunner in London for luxury service.
In 1972 The Berkeley moved to its new home on Wilton Place in the heart of Knightsbridge. Designed by British architect Brian O’Rorke, the hotel incorporates restored features from the original building, including fireplaces in the suites and welcomed a new swimming pool installed on the seventh floor.
Pierre Koffmann, one of the world’s most respected chefs, moved his legendary restaurant La Tante Claire from Chelsea to The Berkeley in 1998, bringing his signature pig’s trotter stuffed with morel mushrooms.
The new millennium saw the arrival of the Blue Bar, designed by David Collins, which soon became a destination bar for cocktails in Belgravia and remains ever-popular twenty years later.
Prêt-à-Portea, The Berkeley’s couture-inspired take on the traditional afternoon tea, was first served in 2005 and has been enjoyed by fashionistas every afternoon since. With a menu that changes to coincide with the new Autumn/Winter and Spring/Summer fashion seasons, two collections of cakes have taken to the catwalk since it launched.
Marcus Wareing opened his eponymous restaurant at The Berkeley in 2008, which promptly became Michelin starred and was closely followed by the return of world-renowned chef, Pierre Koffmann with a chic and simple French bistro.
The world’s first standalone Ferrari atelier outside of Italy opened at The Berkeley with a Personalisation Room where clients could tailor their supercars to their taste.
The Berkeley has been treading its own path for more than 100 years. From here, midway between fashionable Knightsbridge and neighbourly Belgravia, we’re still taking style, comfort and service to inspiring new levels. There’s nowhere quite like it. And that’s the way we love it.
Stunning rooms by the brightest minds in the design world. Intuitive service that always seems one step ahead. From the moment you walk in, the hotel begins to work its magic.
