London is one of the world’s most innovative and competitive locations when it comes to hospitality. No hotel in the capital can afford to rest on its laurels. Lucky then that The Langham, London has innovation in its DNA. Opened in 1865, the hotel was deemed Europe’s first Grand Hotel – and the raft of facilities and services it introduced then, including hot and cold running water, air conditioning and afternoon tea as a meal, totally revolutionised the burgeoning hotel industry.
Today The Langham, London’s flagship hotel (of a group which numbers 16 properties on four continents) maintains this creative spirit, while not forgetting its history. It might be outwardly traditional, but there are quiet revolutions aplenty going on within its walls. From the city’s most spacious and elegant Club Lounge, the concept driven award-winning cocktails at Artesian and the city’s best pub, The Wigmore, which opened just two years ago, to the recently opened cookery school, Sauce by The Langham, every year brings with it new ideas and experiences.
Deemed Europe’s first Grand Hotel – the raft of facilities and services it introduced totally revolutionised the burgeoning industry
Equally revolutionary is The Langham’s commitment to the environment. It is the only London hotel to have won an internationally recognised award scheme, Earthcheck, at gold level for five consecutive years, so you can be sure that food is responsibly sourced, all waste environmentally disposed of and all supplies carefully chosen.
This environmental focus is a pillar of the brand as a whole – a brand that has entered an exciting new period of growth. This winter saw the opening of The Langham Nymphenburg Residence, Munich, a stunning manor within the imperial estate of Nymphenburg. In 2020 The Langham, Boston will reopen after a historic year-long renovation, repositioning it as one of the most prominent properties in the group’s US portfolio. Further in the future, Langham will open a stunning building by Kengo Kuma, Tokyo in 2024 and a year later a distinctive Renzo Piano tower in San Francisco.
But what links each Langham property around the world? A sense of Britishness and a focus on fun and celebration – a theme echoed in a new advertising campaign that encourages us to ‘Celebrate the Everyday’. As Stefan Leser, CEO of Langham Hospitality Group says, ‘Being in the luxury level does not mean one has to be stuffy, conventional and staid. In fact, it’s quite the opposite – I believe that true luxury lies in the freedom to express joy and humour, and at The Langham we can help create and share those endearing moments for our guests.’
There are distinctive tangible features to enjoy at every Langham too: beautiful pink roses gracing the lobby, an expertly curated art collection reflecting each hotel’s design and location and, as befits the group that first established the tradition of afternoon tea, a tea that is contemporary, sustainable and delicious. Could there be a nicer, or indeed more British, way to celebrate?
