Saturday the 10th of June 1865 saw the grand opening of The Langham, London, presided over by HRH The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII). The Langham, London was not only the capital’s first purpose built ‘Grand Hotel’, but also the first in Europe. This illustrious heritage is reflected in the magnificent festive season to be offered by the hotel this year, the year of its £80million refurbishment. As well as the opportunity to celebrate the holidays in one of the Victorian era’s most spectacular buildings with its ‘Victorian Christmas’, the hotel, its restaurants and bar will also reference The Langham, London’s long historical connection to the literary world throughout December.
A Victorian Christmas
Available for private dining and events in the seven ‘Private Carriage’ dining rooms (named after horse-drawn carriages used in town by affluent Victorians), the Victorian Christmas parties experience will exemplify the qualities of luxury and hospitality for which The Langham, London has become known. Guests will be welcomed by their Headwaiter, traditionally dressed in a frock tail-coat and offered a glass of mulled wine whilst being entertained by carol singers in Victorian costume. Naturally the room and table decorations will play an important role in setting the atmosphere of the lunch or dinner, with a tapestry runner on the table, silver candelabra, a spiced spruce garland and crackers for each guest. During the meal, the main course will be presented to the host at the table who will be invited to cut the first slice before being served from the kitchen. No festive celebration would be complete without entertainment and The Langham, London will make sure all guests will have a most memorable experience. During their meal an actor playing a Victorian pickpocket will entertain diners with his sleight of hand and close up tricks - all items and jewellery removed will of course be returned – but gift-wrapped! Alternatively a visit from Father Christmas in an authentic (pre-Coca Cola) fir-green costume will be made, delivering presents to the party, brought by the host in advance or sourced by the hotel.
Drawing on its location close to Fitzrovia, the city’s original artistic and bohemian quarter, The Langham, London has a close association with the literary world. Notable figures who have been guests in the hotel include Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain and Somerset Maugham. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle even mentioned the hotel in several of his Sherlock Holmes stories. Today, The Langham, London hosts regular book launches, literary and artistic events. Three distinct culinary packages have been created to honour the hotel’s literary past and provide an original and innovative way to celebrate, they are the Sherlock Holmes package, the Charles Dickens package Alice in Wonderland package.
Already winning rave reviews for its newly refurbished guest rooms, entertaining spaces and Palm Court, The Langham, London’s Christmas parties and festive offerings will go further to confirm the hotel’s rightful position amongst the very select group of London’s very finest hotels.
