Dorchester Hotel London Recreates Queen’s Coronation Decorations for HM The King’s Celebration

The Dorchester Pays Tribute to HM The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort with a Nod to History

The Dorchester Hotel in London is celebrating the coronation of HM The King with recreated decorations inspired by his mother’s coronation in 1953. Read on to discover how this luxurious hotel pays tribute to royalty and honors one of the world’s greatest theatre set designers.

The Stage is Set: Recreating the Decorations

The Dorchester is preparing to welcome royalty with a recreation of the decorations used for HM Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953. Designed by British stage set designer Oliver Messel, the original decorations were said to be the best in London. Messel’s design included dramatic draping across the hotel’s balconies, which created the illusion of an interior theater seen from the stage.

Now, almost 70 years later, The Dorchester is recreating Messel’s stunning decorations as a tribute to HM The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

 

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The hotel’s iconic façade was transformed on April 20, 2023, and the decorations will remain until May 19, 2023. The recreated decorations will mark the start of a weekend of celebrations at The Dorchester.

A Royal Afternoon Tea: The Promenade

At the heart of The Dorchester, The Promenade will offer a royal take on its world-famous afternoon tea. Executive pastry chef Michael Kwan has created a delicate selection of themed cakes, sandwiches, and a refreshing glass of Champagne for guests to indulge in. The Coronation Afternoon Tea is priced at £125 per person and includes a glass of Champagne and a gift.

Cake & Flowers: A Boutique of Delights

Guests of the hotel will also be able to visit the newly opened Cake & Flowers boutique. This boutique features a window display created by in-house designer florist Philip Hammond, who has also created magnificent floral arrangements throughout the hotel. The boutique offers signature cakes, gift hampers, floral bouquets, and a selection of champagnes and artisan chocolates. As a tribute to The Coronation Emblem, Hammond’s floral arrangements will unify the flora of the four nations of the United Kingdom.

Sovereign Martini: A Regal Cocktail

The Dorchester’s new cocktail destination, Vesper Bar, will be serving a special Sovereign Martini inspired by The King’s favorite tipple.

The cocktail features Wessex gin, Royal Garden mead, dry vermouth, lavender bitter, and orange scent. All are presented in a delicate martini glass made bespoke for Vesper Bar.

A Rich History: The Dorchester’s Royal Connections

The Dorchester has a long-standing connection with the royal family. The King made his first public appearance at the hotel in 1970 and has attended many charitable dinners and state banquets since then. The King’s parents were also very familiar with the hotel, with his father HRH Prince Philip holding his bachelor party at The Dorchester on the eve of his wedding and HM The Queen visiting throughout her reign. The Dorchester has celebrated three royal coronations, including King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1937 and HM Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

Renovated and Ready: The Dorchester’s Newly Transformed Ground Floor

The Dorchester’s ground floor has recently undergone a comprehensive renovation, the most extensive in three decades. The forecourt, garden, lobby, The Promenade, Vesper Bar, and Artists’ Bar have all been transformed to enhance the hotel’s luxury experience.

The hotel’s location in the heart of Mayfair, with Hyde Park on its doorstep, makes it the perfect place to stay and experience the coronation celebrations firsthand. From the stunning floral displays to the exquisite afternoon tea and bespoke cocktails, The Dorchester offers a unique and unforgettable experience fit for royalty.

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