The
extensive refurbishment that has transformed The Russell Hotel into
The Principal London is now complete with the final piece of the jigsaw being put in place. The Palm Court has officially opened, just in time for those last-minute summer soirees.
The light-filled space, done up by interior designer Tara Bernerd and the hotel’s in-house design team, works as an outdoor summer terrace at one end (hello drinks receptions), and an indoor winter garden at the other (perfect for afternoon teas).
For it is afternoon tea that will take centre stage here, and with National Afternoon Tea Week going on until Tuesday, the opening couldn’t be more timely. Check out our
afternoon tea roundup for more advice on where to celebrate it.
Afternoon Tea will be a great break-out activity and teambuilding event during conferences at the hotel – the event spaces on the lower ground floor accommodate around 100 delegates.
You’ll be in safe hands as executive chef, Roger Olsson (formerly at the Dorchester), executive sous chef, Ryan Thompson (formerly at the Dominique Ansel) and pastry chef Thibault Marchand are in charge of the traditional tea. Got some vegans or vegetarians among you? Don’t worry – there will be veggie options available.
The Palm Court is a great space for pre-dinner drinks with its tall glass-and-bronze doors leading into the open space, filled with full-seized olive trees. The subtle and earthy colour palette with muted tones and ikat prints, alongside the rattan chairs, make the space distinctly summery.
Botanically-infused cocktails and a gin trolley will complete the evening offer in the Palm Court, so this will also be a place for after-dinner drinks and client smooching, too.