Dukes London, the St James’s hotel best known for its martini bar, now has a rough date for its return. The property at 35 St James’s Place is being renovated and is due to reopen in the second quarter of 2027 under a new name, Dukes London, Minor Reserve Collection. It will be run by Minor Hotels, the hotel arm of the Thai group Minor International, which is adding the address to its collection of luxury properties.
The hotel’s reputation rests largely on Dukes Bar. Its martinis are said to have given Ian Fleming the idea for the drink order that became James Bond’s signature, and the bar has served many well-known guests over the years, members of royal families among them. Regulars have not had to go without during the works: the bar has stayed open throughout the renovation.
The 85-key hotel is being redesigned by Russell Sage Studio. When it reopens it will offer 13 executive suites and five signature suites, the latter themed around guests from the hotel’s past. A new lounge and bar, The Delany Drawing Room, will add a second drinking spot where whisky plays the role that martinis play at Dukes Bar, with 160 varieties on the list alongside Champagne and cocktails. The room includes a conservatory and a secluded garden and will also serve afternoon tea.
The group has made the hotel’s history central to its plans. William E. Heinecke, chairman and founder of parent company Minor International, said: “Few hotels capture the character and heritage of London quite like Dukes.” He added that the group plans to protect what makes the hotel distinctive while using Minor Hotels’ global luxury platform to bring it to a wider audience.
Food is getting the same attention. Minor Hotels is working with The Wolseley Hospitality Group, the company behind well-known London dining rooms such as The Wolseley and The Delaunay, on a new restaurant for the hotel. Minor is carrying out the project together with Seven Tides, which Heinecke described as a trusted partner.
