The Savoy preps for Thames Foyer renovation

One of London's most famous hotels has announced the upcoming closure of a space ahead of its full renovation. 

The Savoy will close the Thames Foyer from Thursday 22 August to undergo a full revamp. The space will reopen in early November with a new name, design, food and beverage concept and menu. 

The Thames Foyer is the heart of the hotel. It features a glass-domed atrium where the iconic Savoy afternoon tea has been served for over a century. Reimagined to elevate the offering, the reopened space will bring a brand-new dining destination to London's culinary scene. 

Service will evolve seamlessly throughout the different dayparts and, alongside afternoon tea, guests will be able to enjoy breakfast, coffee, lunch, cocktail hour and dinner. 

The adjacent Upper Thames area will also be part of the renovation, with two new outlets by The Savoy to be revealed at the same time. 

A historic venue

The Savoy opened in 1889 and famously brought innovation to London, standing as the first hotel to be entirely lit by electricity and featuring London's first electric lift, still in use today. The Thames Foyer paved its own way in history, hosting the first ever dinner dance in 1912, when a daring couple got up to dance in a small gap between tables, while world-renowned dishes – such as Peach Melba – were created by legendary chef, Auguste Escoffier, during his tenure at the hotel from 1890–1898. 

Commenting on the renovation, managing director Franck Arnold says: "This is going to be a complete transformation of the Thames Foyer and Upper Thames and we are so excited to unveil our new, vibrant dining destination and outlets later in the year. The new dining concept will harmoniously blend tradition with innovation, ensuring our guests have the perfect setting in which to relax, drink and dine, and enjoy a truly unique Savoy experience."

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