London, February 28 A historic property in the heart of London's royal district, near Buckingham Palace, is preparing for a new chapter of Indian hospitality, complete with the city's popular Michelin-starred coastal cuisine restaurant, Quilon.
The Taj Hotel is in the final phase of a major renovation project at the iconic site, which dates back to 16th-17th century Elizabethan England, symbolized by a William Shakespeare-inspired frieze in its central courtyard.
The hotel, which is favored by Indian and international dignitaries, including prime ministers, sports stars, and Bollywood celebrities, is set to unveil its refreshed new look in time for the London Marathon at the end of April.
"We are excited about this new chapter, which will really enhance our understanding of the iconic St. James' Court Taj Hotel in London's royal district," said Corinna Luebbe, who recently took over as manager in London.
"The vision is to ensure that guests who are familiar with our hotels in India find the same level of luxury when they step into our new lobby – I would characterize our upgraded London offer as classic modern luxury."
"We will, of course, continue to uphold Tata's values and the 'Tajness' feel, while offering a modern experience to both our legacy and new customers," she added.
Confident that the refreshed look will enhance its appeal as a London landmark, the hotel has bolstered its offerings by acquiring a wedding license and outdoor catering, with the vision of taking its award-winning Indian cuisine outside London under the stewardship of Sriram Aylur, the Taj Group's Michelin-starred chef based in the UK.
"Indian cuisine has been a staple in London for many years. But as it really gains momentum and popularity around the world, this is a natural next step to take our unique offer across to Europe and beyond," said Luebbe.
"Our hidden gem, of course, is the Courtyard with its cherub-adorned Victorian fountain centerpiece and an array of historic and modern landmarks just a few steps away," she added.
The sprawling Taj property includes a unique set of townhouses, known as Buckingham Gate Suites, which are recognized as an architectural marvel and have hosted heads of state from India and beyond over the years.