Bloomsbury’s longstanding hotel The Imperial has officially reopened following a once-in-a-generation refurbishment, marking the beginning of its next chapter and the debut of Imperial London Hotels’ first lifestyle property.
Led by architects Cube Design, this 10-year landmark refurbishment draws on the statement its striking concrete façade makes, celebrating the hallmarks of this once-controversial design language, restoring signature features and reclaiming its identity as an emblem of its era.
First opened in 1904, the original building was designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll and included ornate turrets, terracotta statues and traditional details. Features including Turkish Baths, grand marble and granite-lined public spaces, and a winter garden were eventually replaced with a modernist structure in the sixties, reflecting the attitude of the time.
As the hotel enters its next chapter, this once-in-a-generation renovation adds new spaces – including a 327.1m2 rooftop bar and restaurant – while staying true to its rich design history.
Anchored by the strength and integrity of its modernist architecture, the reimagined interior by Trevillion Interiors and Keane Brands is influenced by the creative spirit of the writers, thinkers, painters and reformers that defined the cultural voice of the decade it was built.
Bold design choices reflect the era’s expressive spirit through its archetypal use of shape, pattern and geometry, while the discovery of original design elements – such as burnt orange glass tiles housed in the mezzanine floor – influenced the warm tones that feature throughout.
Distinctive wood panelling, sculptural lighting and terrazzo that turns up in unexpected places are balanced with tactile textures and the soft silhouettes of mid-century furniture.
The same principles extend into each of the 357 rooms and suites. Most feature the hotel’s geometric windows, now preserved to frame Russell Square in a new light, while some include private gardens that come with outdoor tubs.
Speaking on the renovation, Jane Lock-Smith, Managing Director at Cube Interiors commented: “The vision for the renovation has always been to recognise the hotel as a valued historic layer in its own right, reimagining it for the future while confidently acknowledging its place in London’s evolving architectural history. The existing structure has been revealed, celebrated and thoughtfully adapted for a new generation, with the architecture telling a story we hope visitors will feel a part of every time they step through the doors.”
Small details such as in-room GPO Audrey phones, complimentary Chopper Bike hire, and collections of design-led board games, books and magazines curated by local collaborators create a thoughtful dialogue between past and present. These interactions come to life in the Bell Room & Terrace, where features from the original Victorian building can be found: a galleon that once stood atop a turret, and the building’s imposing clock and bells reward curiosity while honouring their place in the hotel’s history.
Reflecting The Imperial’s connection to creative expression, Adam Ellis Studio Art House has contributed over 500 original prints, displayed in guestrooms and throughout public spaces. Treated not as accents, but defining features that unify each space, the prints feature sharp lines and bold colours in a nod to the rebellious flare of the sixties.
At the top of the hotel, Arcus, Bloomsbury’s first – and only – rooftop bar and restaurant, offers guests near 360º views of London within a bold, modernist destination where design, culture and skyline views converge.
The hotel’s Edit Bar & Lounge is a day-to-night space providing the backdrop for everything from working in the lounge to catching up over a coffee, welcoming both hotel guests and those from the surrounding area.
Beautifully restored and ready to welcome a new generation of guests, The Imperial returns not simply as a place to stay, but as a restored piece of London’s history – reclaiming its place at the heart of Bloomsbury for the next 120 years.
