30th April 2002 - Sofitel St James London, the capital’s newest 5-star hotel located in the heart of St James’ and Brasserie Roux, creation of the world renowned chef, Albert Roux, were opened today by The Rt Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Harvey Marshall, and his wife, the Lady Mayoress.
Following introductory speeches by Michael Flaxman, CEO of Accor in the UK, and Roger Bright, CEO of The Crown Estate, Councillor Harvey Marshall unveiled a 3-metre high glass panel engraved with details of the building’s history and the plaque bearing his name.
The impressive glass structure is positioned at the entrance to the lobby and is lit with fibre-optics, illuminating the story of this highly prestigious and historical building.
Situated on the corner of Pall Mall and Waterloo Place, the 125,000 sq ft. Grade II listed building is owned by The Crown Estate and was originally the home of the bank Cox’s & King’s before becoming Lloyds Bank. It has since been transformed into a luxury hotel by leading French hotel group Accor, under their prestigious Sofitel brand.  The opening marks Sofitel’s first brand hotel in the UK, and is the first luxury French hotel to open in the capital.
Brasserie Roux, the creation of the world-renowned chef, Albert Roux, will be serving ‘new classic French cuisine’ at Sofitel St James London.
French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon has created a contemporary style that preserves the neo-classic theme of the building, while highlighting and respecting the strong roots of its British culture. The building’s distinguished past is reflected in the hotel’s overall design and followed through to the individual items of furniture and portraits taken from the former boardrooms of Cox’s & King’s.
To encourage guests to experience a touch of French Art de Vivre, Sofitel has extended a special opening rate of £195 per room per night, including English breakfast, but excluding VAT until the end of August 2002. This represents a 40% saving off the normal superior double room price.
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