The Savoy Hotel opens in London (1889)

The Savoy Hotel opened in London on 6 August 1889, built by impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte using profits from his Gilbert and Sullivan opera productions. Designed by architect Thomas Edward Collcutt, the hotel was intended to attract foreign and British clientele, inspired by American opulence. It became the first in the Savoy group, managed by César Ritz, who brought in chef Auguste Escoffier.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Richard D'Oyly Carte, an English talent agent and theatrical impresario, built the Savoy Hotel with profits from his Gilbert and Sullivan opera productions. He had seen the opulence of American hotels during visits to the United States and decided to build a luxury hotel in Britain to attract foreign and British visitors to London.

Construction. The hotel was designed by architect Thomas Edward Collcutt, who also designed the Wigmore Hall. It opened on 6 August 1889, becoming the first in the Savoy group of hotels and restaurants owned by Carte's family for over a century.

Management. César Ritz was engaged as manager, bringing in chef Auguste Escoffier and maître d'hôtel Louis Echenard. Ritz assembled what he described as "a little army of hotel men for the conquest of London," and Escoffier recruited French cooks and reorganized the kitchens.

People involved

Sources

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