History of The Stafford London
Celebrating 110 years in 2022, The Stafford is rich in historic intrigue,
spanning from the 17th Century to the present day.
Embark on a journey through The Stafford London’s long and fascinating history…
17th – 19th Century
Numbers 16-18 St. James’s Place were originally built as private residences in the 17th Century. Number 17, most famously owned by Lord and Lady Lyttelton, daughter of the then Earl Spencer, was pressed into service as nanny to Queen Victoria’s children.
1850-1912
In the years that followed, the house changed hands many times, becoming the Richmond Club Chambers, Green’s Private Hotel and St. James’s Palace Hotel. The Stafford Club, originally housed in number 18, was added in 1886, and in 1912, the hotel was extended to include number 16; The Stafford Hotel was born.
1939-1945
During World War II, The Stafford London served as a club for American and Canadian officers stationed overseas who sought refuge in the Wine Cellars. This led to the formation of the Better ‘Ole Club whose membership comprises guests recognized for services to The Stafford London, like HRH the Prince of Wales.
Museum 1940-1941
During World War II, the Wine Cellars were used as air raid shelters. A glimpse into this period of history can still be seen at the far end of the Wine Cellars, where an authentic collection of items from the war is housed in a little museum.
1947-1994
Originally built as stables to house the thoroughbreds of the nobility, The Carriage House was transformed to luxury accommodation in the late 1990s.
1995-2009
In 1995, the hotel was bought by Daniel Thwaites plc, a family-controlled Lancashire-based brewery. With the opening of the “all suite” Stafford Mews development in 2007, every effort was made to ensure that the hotel continued to maintain the friendly charm and understated elegance for which it had become renowned.
2009-2014
In 2009, the small luxury hotel was purchased by Britannia Hospitality Limited. In 2014, The Stafford London became a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, part of the prestigious Legend Collection.
2017 – Present
In March 2017, The Game Bird restaurant was launched at The Stafford London. Four months later, the hotel unveiled a multi-million pound redesign of its historic Carriage House rooms and suites, along with The Gatehouse. The following year, in May 2018, the much-loved American Bar was reopened following a beautiful re-imagining of the entire bar.
In 2019, The Stafford London expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of Northcote, a luxury country house retreat with a Michelin-starred restaurant. Nestled on the edge of Lancashire’s picturesque Ribble Valley, Northcote is surrounded by miles of unspoiled countryside and pretty villages. That same year, The Stafford London also opened its first independent restaurant, the Sicilian-inspired Norma, marking the formation of the Stafford Collection.
Most recently, in 2022, The Stafford London completed an extensive renovation and redesign of select bedrooms in the Main House, further enhancing the hotel’s commitment to timeless elegance and exceptional comfort.
Offers
Stay Longer On Us
Extend your stay in the Capital with The Stafford London’s Stay 3, Pay 2 offer.
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