£10 million refurbishment at Lancaster London

An ambitious 10 week refurbishment project will completely transform the Lancaster London’s Nine Kings Suite and Westbourne Suite, which can host receptions for up to 3,000 guests.  Overseen by hotel designer, Alex Kravetz the project will be completed on 5 September 2011. 

The refurbishment is being managed by architect, Denis Day of Ashleigh House Developments Ltd, who has worked with the hotel since 1984.  
The Entrance Foyer will be remodelled to showcase stunning feature edge lit mother-of-pearl glass mirror panels from Sans Souci.  The glass will be framed by ziricote veneer panels, a striking and rarely used wood species from Central America which has a beautiful dark-wood grain.  The unusual veneer has been produced by Alpi, a company which is particularly sensitive to the preservation of raw materials and responsible forest management with low environmental impact. The entrance floor will be replaced with marble slabs, and a bronze liquid metal finish will be applied to the door frames to create a warm and inviting first impression.

The Pre-function Area will have new bespoke carpets throughout with a dynamic and bold pattern.  All the light wood panelling will be removed and replaced with fresh wall coverings from Tektura to brighten the space.  Fior di Pesco marble pilasters will frame antique mirror wall panels with decorative wall sconces reflecting the light throughout.

Bronze entrance doors will lead into the main Nine Kings Ballroom.  18 stunning drop-glass 2m x 2m chandeliers will be retained and refurbished.  The rest of the ceiling will be transformed.  The dated mirror panels will be stripped and further coffer details will be added to layer the lighting in the vast space.  Colour changing elements and dimmable controls have been detailed by Elektra Lighting to create a modern and flexible system for any style of function taking place.  Low energy LED lighting will also be installed in the banqueting spaces.  The existing Rosso Francia marble pilasters will be framed by additional Fior di Pesco marble columns which will house integral sandblasted backlit glass panel lighting.  

A lavish new carpet subtly reflecting the Asian influences of the hotel will be laid throughout the banqueting spaces.  The carpet design also cleverly accounts for the space division of the ballroom so that when the room is potentially divided into four separate function rooms, the carpet design is repeated to scale within each space.  New ballroom chairs have been sourced from Excalibur furniture with a flexible back cushion detail, providing maximum comfort for conference and banqueting guests.  Full height, silk pleated drapes will be hung from the 6m high windows which provide a stunning view over Hyde Park.  The whole banqueting space will be much lighter, making it feel more spacious.

The staircase transition, from the Pre-function Area down to the Westbourne Suite on the lower ground floor, will be fully transformed with exquisite Fior Di Pesco marble panels and mother-of-pearl glass to create a flow between the function areas, should they be used in tandem.  The existing dividing walls on the staircase will be removed and replaced with sandblasted glass balustrades with antique brass handrails to flood the staircase with light.  A bespoke elliptical chandelier from Beby Lighting Group will be suspended over the staircase, comprised of hand-blown glass droplets in clear and opaline finishes.  Lift access will remain to the Westbourne Suite.

The private entrance to the Westbourne Suite from the main hotel reception will create a sense of arrival with feature entrance doors in a fluted silver leaf finish.  Nero Marquina marble skirtings will be introduced to the ballroom, while the existing timber and fabric wall-panelling will be refurbished and panel inserts replaced with Xorel Damask wall-covering from Vescom.  New bronze twin arm wall sconces will be fitted. These carpets will also be replaced with a pattern designed to accommodate the flexible partitioning of the space.
FIRST “SENSES ROOM” IN LONDON
The first ever senses room in London is being installed at the Lancaster London as part of its £10 million refurbishment.  This revolutionary concept will enable guests to not only sample the food but also enjoy a complete preview of their event.
The senses room, which will accommodate up to 10 people, will replicate every detail of a guest’s specification, from the colour schemes and decor to the lighting.  The full sensory trial is motivated by the idea that you don’t just use your ‘sense of taste’ when dining.
£6 MILLION POUND KITCHEN REFURBISHMENT AT THE LANCASTER LONDON
£6 million is being spent to completely transform both the look of the kitchens and their entire mode of operating.  The project, led by Humble Arnold Associates Design Director, Stephen Arnold has been driven by a desire to improve performance, energy conservation and hygiene.

The refurbishment will include a radical upgrade of kitchen equipment propelling it into a new realm of technological sophistication.  There will be a major focus on energy saving equipment, specifically through the use of Elro and MKN products.  Health and safety issues and productivity will also be addressed both through the upgraded technology and design of the kitchens.  The new kitchens will also have the most sophisticated level of hygiene available.  

Technological upgrades
•    10 new MKN twenty grid combi ovens with specially designed plate tree trolleys to fit with the Lancaster London’s specific plate.
•    The 10 ovens will be monitored by computer in the Executive Chef’s office where chefs will be able to check temperatures, etc.  A complete digital record of this information will be kept, making it easy to perform quality checks and improve levels of health and safety.
•    There will also be a pressure function to make cooking times more efficient.
•    Selected Elro bulk hot production units will have hydraulic lifting equipment, which makes things both simpler and safer for chefs dealing with such heavy volumes.
•    There will be specialist vegetable preparation equipment.
•    An Elro milk warmer kettle with an integral cooling system, so ingredients can be chilled and then brought to the boil.
•    High density racking system.
•    Completely renewing all refrigeration.
•    A new trolley washing facility will be installed that can accept the specially designed Elro cooking equipment so that it can be hosed down, which is much quicker and easier.
•    The components in the kitchens will be mobile, from the individual units to the kitchen sink.
•    The loading bay will also be completely refurbished.


Health & Safety
•    A new colour coding initiative will be introduced throughout the kitchen. The goods entry will be in grey, the main kitchen and storage in white, and the service and restaurant access in black.  The black will mask activity between the banqueting spaces and the kitchen.
•    Staff uniforms will also be based on these colours.
•    Portioning of food will be done in a chilled environment for increased hygiene.
•    There are no painted surfaces within the kitchen:
o    the floor will be made from easy to clean, seamless resin;
o    white-rock plastic sheeting will cover the walls;
o    the ceiling will be comprised of metal pan tiles.
•    All of the kitchen equipment will be made of Formica and stainless steel.
Green aspects
•    The chilled storage areas have the flexibility to turn into ambient storage so they can be used for either function, which saves both money and energy.
•    Dishwashers are going to have integral heat exchanger pumps which will reheat the water coming into the machines to save energy.  It means when the dishwasher is opened there is no steam, and the air will be at 18-20 degrees.
•    There will be one large compressor instead of running several smaller ones.
Another major difference in the kitchen function will be the complete abolishment of “Silver Service” in favour of plated meals. This style of catering will give chefs complete control not only over the presentation of their food, but also the quality, giving guests a memorable dining experience.  It will also ensure far more efficient service.
There are two kitchens, which sit one above the other, which will work in tandem.  The main food production site will be next to the Nine Kings Suite, and the Westbourne Suite kitchen will be where  food will be given the finishing touches before service.
The refurbishment of the Nine Kings Suite’s kitchen is a hugely ambitious undertaking which will be completed by 5 September 2011.  The Westbourne Suite kitchen was finished in 2010 after 8 weeks of work in July and August of that year.  An additional specialist pastry kitchen was renovated in 2010.

www.lancasterlondon.com