Maybourne Hotel Group to open first new London hotel in 50 years

The hotel group behind Claridge's, the Connaught and the Berkeley is to open its first new London property in 50 years.

The Maybourne Hotel Group will launch the Emory in Knightsbridge this winter, which will be its fourth site in the capital and sixth worldwide.

The Emory has been designed by the late Richard Rogers and Ivan Harbour of architectural firm RSHP and will have an “understated” entrance on Old Barrack Yard in Knightsbridge with a striking “sails” structure that will be visible above the treetops of Hyde Park.

It will feature 60 suites and a penthouse set over nine storeys, with each floor set to showcase the aesthetic of a different interior designer, including Alexandra Champalimaud, André Fu, Pierre-Yves Rochon, Rémi Tessier and Patricia Urquiola.

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who runs an eponymous restaurant at the Connaught, will open the first London outpost of his ABC restaurant concept at the hotel. The brand is described as offering “fresh, local and conscious cuisine” and trades from a site in New York.

Maybourne Hotel Group said the hotel’s rooftop will be the “jewel in its crown” with 360 degree views of the London skyline in a space kept private for hotel guests.

Below ground, a wellness space will be set across four floors in the basement and include a 22-metre swimming pool.

Knut Wylde will take up the role as general manager of the Emory alongside his existing position as general manager of the Berkeley.

Gianluca Muzzi, chief executive of Maybourne Hotel Group, said: “This is our first new London property in 50 years, and we believe it will be a truly ground breaking new addition to our distinguished hotel family.

“We plan to bring the inspiration and creative energy that have made our other hotels so notable, whilst also making the Emory a world class hub of art and culture.

“This opening further cements our vision and commitment to growing Maybourne Hotel Group, and heralds a bold new future for the company.”

The company’s international hotel portfolio includes the Maybourne in Beverly Hills and the Maybourne Riviera in France.