The long-awaited 5-star hotel, The Peninsula, hit London in September 2023. Growing from the group’s original location in Hong Kong, to openings in Shanghai, Paris, Beverly Hills, and now, Belgravia. The palatial development neighbours Hyde Park Corner, looking over the iconic Wellington Arch. And, of course, with a grand hotel comes a very grand opening…
Hong Kong to Belgravia: The Grand Opening of The Peninsula London
Words by
Sphere Editors
27th June 2024
The red carpet was rolled out last week for the long-awaited grand opening of 5-Star hotel, The Peninsula. SPHERE Digital Editor and CEO of ILN, Lisa Barnard, attended alongside names from Billie Piper to the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Now we dive into the details of the lavish evening.
An aerial view of The Peninsula London, sat opposite Hyde Park Corner's Wellington Arch
Lisa Barnard, SPHERE Digital Edior and CEO of ILN and Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer of Aston Martin
SPHERE Digital Editor and CEO of ILN, Lisa Barnard, joined a plethora of notable names on the red-carpet last week. Appearances were made by some of British TV’s most beloved. Including James Bond co-star, Lashana Lynch and Billie Piper. Best known for her role alongside David Tennant in Doctor Who.
'Doctor Who' and 'I Hate Suzie' star, Billie Piper
The presence didn’t stop at celebrity. Their royal highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attended the momentous occasion and unveiled a commemorative plaque alongside Sir Michael Kadoorie, Chairman of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels. Marking the culmination of this major project, that has nearly been 40 years in the making.
Michael Kadoorie and the Duke of Edinburgh
To capture an essence of the sensational surroundings, we have included an Instagram reel from the event below.
The Peninsula is guarded by a series of pixiu statues, an ode to the hotel group's Chinese beginning. At the grand opening these statues were brought to life by a vibrant lion dancing performance. With a copious 2,500 guests in attendance, a memorable night of entertainment was in order and it did much more than deliver.
Entertainment included a lion dancing performance as an ode to The Peninsula's Chinese origin
Alongside the traditional lion dancing spectacle was a series of musical performances. The London Philharmonic Orchestra rocked up to knock out some tunes along with nine other live bands. Stepping out into the hotel's courtyard, a number of gourmet food trucks were in store for guests. All of the elements of an amazing music festival tucked into the opulent setting of a 5-star hotel.
Nine different live bands were lined up - including jazz group, Brooklyn Soul
It's safe to say that The Peninsula London hit some immediate but triumphant milestones, all before their official grand opening. Their rooftop restaurant, Brooklands by Claude Bosi, achieved two michelin stars within their first four months after opening. The aviation and motorsport-inspired restaurant has certainly ran a speedy race to glory. Swiftly moving from sky to sea... Their second restaurant, Canton Blue, offers contemporary Cantonese in a vibrant maritime setting. Read more about Canton Blue and its exquisite ambience via our article here.
Explore The Peninsula London and book via peninsula.com/en/london/5-star-luxury-hotel-belgravia
