PaperCity Magazine

PaperCity Dallas Jan_Feb 2023

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THE DORCHESTER, LONDON O ne of London's most distinguished grande d a m e h o t e l s , T h e D o r c h e s t e r , h a s undergone its first complete transformation in 30 years, refreshed and restored by Paris design and architecture firm Pierre-Yves Rochon. The paint is barely dry, as the revamped interiors were unveiled mid-December and include lobby, guest rooms, and suites, The Promenade restaurant and new Artists' Bar, along with a new Cake & Flowers boutique. London's Martin Brudnizki Design Studio has reinterpreted The Bar, giving it a glamorous '30s vibe and outdoor terrace with views of Hyde Park. Brudnizki is known for designing some of the world's most celebrated interiors, including Annabel's Nightclub, The Ivy, Soho Beach House Miami, Scott's, and Cecconi's West Hollywood. Sir Robert McAlpine, an engineer and builder of note during the early half of the 20th century, created The Dorchester entirely of reinforced concrete, a cutting-edge material that allowed for the construction of vast open spaces. It was the first time a hotel had been constructed in such a manner. From the time it opened in 1931 in the heart of Mayfair, The Dorchester — which regulars affectionately call The Dorch — has attracted a fascinating mix of royals and celebrities including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Sir Richard Burton. The Dorchester was a frequent haunt of British author Somerset Maugham who, in the spring of 1962, holed up there with a toothache while his collection of priceless artworks was auctioned at Sotheby's. During the '30s, artist and set designer Oliver Messel decorated his namesake suite with painted panels and doors, yellow silk walls, and bronze work pillars. The new Artists' bar, located at the end of the Promenade restaurant, has been enlivened with the glamour of the 1930s, with artworks of famous hotel guests by British artists, and even Liberace's mirrored piano has been restored. The Promenade has a new modern British menu along with a palette of quintessentially eccentric British colors. Superior King rooms from $1,212. The Dorchester, Park Lane, London, dorchestercollection.com. The Bar at The Dorchester, designed by Martin Brudnizki. Rendering of The Promenade, designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. 55

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