The Corinthia Hotel London, standing proudly at the crossroads of Northumberland Avenue and Whitehall Place, boasts a rich history intertwined with the fabric of London itself. This majestic building, nestled between the iconic Trafalgar Square and the River Thames, has witnessed centuries of change, transitioning from a luxury hotel to a vital hub for British government operations and finally returning to its original purpose.
The story of the Corinthia begins in 1885, when it opened its doors as the Metropole Hotel. Its prime location, a stone’s throw from the Palace of Westminster and government offices in Whitehall, made it a natural choice for those seeking a luxurious stay in the heart of London.
A Symbol of Power and Prestige
The Metropole Hotel quickly became a symbol of power and prestige. The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, was a regular guest, entertaining dignitaries and enjoying the elegance of the hotel’s ballroom. It also hosted the annual dinners of the Aero Club and the Alpine Club, showcasing the hotel’s status as a gathering place for the city’s elite.
Wartime Transformation
However, the hotel’s fate was irrevocably intertwined with the tumultuous events of the 20th century. During both World Wars, the Metropole was requisitioned by the British government, serving as accommodation for government officials and a strategic center for wartime planning. The night before the outbreak of World War I, the hotel housed the two Commanders-in-Chief of the British Expeditionary Force, Field Marshals John French and Douglas Haig, as they prepared for the conflict.
A Return to Glamour
Following the war, the Metropole reopened as a hotel, recapturing its glamorous reputation. The “Midnight Follies” cabaret became a popular attraction, and the hotel continued to host a vibrant social scene. In the 1920s, a young Bert Firman rose to fame as the youngest bandleader in the world, leading the Midnight Follies Orchestra at the Metropole.
A Legacy of Sport and History
The hotel also witnessed moments of sporting glory. In 1936, the England Rugby team, led by the legendary Prince Alexander Obolensky, defeated the touring New Zealand All Blacks in a historic victory at Twickenham Stadium. That night, the victorious English team celebrated at the Metropole, sharing the building with their defeated opponents. Obolensky’s incredible try, which involved a breathtaking run across the field, secured his place in rugby history.
A Government Headquarters
The Metropole’s location made it an ideal choice for government offices. In the 1930s, the building was leased by the British government, initially to house the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Transport. During World War II, the building was again requisitioned, this time as a base for various government departments, including MI9, the Special Operations Executive, and the headquarters for planning Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of Normandy.
A Modern Transformation
After World War II, the Metropole was purchased by the Ministry of Defence, becoming part of the Crown Estate portfolio. The building served as an overflow facility for the Ministry’s Whitehall complex, housing various departments, including the Defence Intelligence Staff.
However, by the early 2000s, the Metropole was deemed surplus to government requirements and was sold by Crown Estates in 2007. The building underwent a complete transformation, being restored to its original grandeur and reopened in 2011 as the Corinthia Hotel, a blend of hotel and residential accommodations.
A Modern Icon
The Corinthia Hotel stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of London, a place where history and modernity seamlessly blend. From its origins as a luxurious hotel to its role as a government headquarters and its return to its former glory, the building has played a significant role in shaping the city’s landscape. The Corinthia Hotel is not only a place to stay but a living monument to the city’s rich past, a reminder of the countless stories that have unfolded within its walls.
