The Savoy has long been globally renowned as the home of British luxury hospitality, but the last year saw even more reinvention and creativity as the hotel emerged from the pandemic.
The hotel developed its Savoy at Home delivery service, allowing guests to enjoy a taste of The Savoy even while its doors were closed during lockdown. Beautifully prepared afternoon teas, Wellingtons, pies and signature cocktails were delivered across London and the south east.
In April, the hotel collaborated with Bowmore, Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, to transform the world-famous Savoy Court into Solas, a glamorous al fresco dining destination. Solas, derived from Gaelic and Old French meaning light or celebration, saw Savoy Court reimagined with a sparkling central chandelier, delicious seafood menu and wonderful cocktails. Throughout the summer, it became a popular destination to gather for fun and post-lockdown indulgence.
The Savoy has a reputation for serving the best afternoon tea in London, a tradition dating back over a century. Afternoon tea is still served in the Thames Foyer under the glass-domed atrium, where a pianist plays in the gazebo to delight guests. When indoor hospitality resumed, guests flocked back to sample the warm and friendly service, a choice of over 30 teas and delicious patisserie and tasty savouries created by Executive Pastry Chef Daniel Pearse, and his team.
Determined to continue reducing waste, in July The Savoy did just that and started a cocktail revolution by partnering with ecoSPIRITS, the world’s first low carbon, low waste spirits distribution system. Instead of glass bottles, ecoSPIRITS uses refillable, reusable, large format glass vessels. Combine this with hyper local ingredients, and a tree planted for every cocktail sold, and by the end of 2021, The Savoy’s guests had created a forest of 1,600 trees.
Last year also saw The Savoy’s history come alive in an extraordinary way. Few people might know that the young Guccio Gucci worked at The Savoy as a luggage porter. Witnessing guests’ luxurious luggage and elegant clothes daily inspired him to start his own leather goods company in 1921. The rest is history, as Gucci went on to become one of the world’s most celebrated fashion houses. The Savoy and Gucci marked the fashion house’s centenary with the creation of the Royal Suite by Gucci, transforming its flagship suite and adorning it with art from Christie’s.
Another innovation for 2021 was the opening of The River Restaurant by Gordon Ramsay, offering relaxed, stylish all-day dining, with a menu showcasing the very best British shellfish and seafood.
The celebrated American Bar saw Shannon Tebay from New York join the team as the first American and second female head-bartender. Shannon has a formidable reputation for her creative cocktails so The Savoy and its guests are enjoying seeing her show her creative flair in this historic setting.
In 2021, Reverie: A Savoy Christmas was full of fizz and glamour; guests could walk through a Champagne forest down to a shimmering moon boat, with festive decor being inspired by Art Deco illustrator Kay Nielsen. Throughout 2022, The Savoy will continue to offer guests the warmest of welcomes, the best service and the ultimate memorable experiences.
