To celebrate the coronation of HM The King, The Dorchester will recreate the decorations used for his mother’s coronation in 1953. Festooning the Mayfair hotel’s famous façade, this will mark the start of the celebrations throughout the property to honour His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.
The original decorations for HM Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 1953 were created by British stage set designer Oliver Messel and were said to be the best in London. Messel’s design for the coronation decorations included dramatic draping across The Dorchester’s balconies, created to make the hotel’s concave façade look like the interior of a theatre seen from the stage.
The Dorchester’s elegant lounge, The Promenade, will present a royal take on its world-famous afternoon tea. Executive pastry chef Michael Kwan has created a delicate selection of themed cakes, accompanied by exquisite sandwiches and a refreshing glass of champagne. Available over the coronation weekend, from Friday 5 to Monday 8 May 2023, Coronation Afternoon Tea is priced at £125 per person, including a glass of champagne and a gift.
As tribute to The Coronation Emblem, in-house designer florist Philip Hammond will also create magnificent floral arrangements throughout the hotel unifying the flora of the four nations of the United Kingdom; the rose of England, the thistle of Scotland, the daffodil of Wales and the shamrock of Northern Ireland.
At The Dorchester’s new cocktail destination, Vesper Bar, the team will be serving a special ‘Sovereign Martini’ inspired by The King’s favourite tipple. The stir will use Wessex gin, Royal Garden mead, dry vermouth, lavender bitters and orange scent. All presented in a delicate martini glass made bespoke for Vesper Bar.
On coronation day itself, The Dorchester will open its rooftop to serve an open-air lunch to watch the Red Arrows Flypast. Guests here will be able to enjoy a three-course lunch created by culinary director Martyn Nail, including a welcome glass of champagne and canapés on arrival, priced at £165 per person. The celebratory décor and a roaming live band will be accompanied by a screen to watch the historic events as they unfold.
The Dorchester’s façade will be transformed from now until 19 May 2023.