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Web Release
22-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
THE LANGHAM MARKS 160TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GLOBAL SUITE OF SYMBOLIC GUEST OFFERINGS AND VIBRANT CHARITABLE INITIATIVES
Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has unveiled an international array of activities to honour the 160th anniversary of its luxury hotel brand, The Langham Hotels and Resorts ('The Langham'), which on 10th June marks the opening date of its debut property, The Langham, London. Established in 1865 as Europe's first Grand Hotel, the storied institution is widely credited with defining luxury hospitality, a practice LHG has continued to uphold through its expansion of The Langham and its services across 18 destinations and four continents. 'The 160th anniversary of The Langham is not just a milestone for our namesake, but for the luxury hospitality world at large,' Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord said. 'In recognition, we've created some truly extravagant guest offerings across the brand's global portfolio. Many of our hotels are also marking the occasion with the launch of new purpose-driven initiatives to raise proceeds for local charities, demonstrating our Group-wide commitment to both building great memories for our customers and giving back to the many communities that have supported us over the years.' A Legacy of Luxury: Discover The Langham's Most Exceptional Journeys Yet When The Langham, London opened its doors in 1865, it reinvented what a hotel could be – introducing unheard-of luxuries like electric lights, hydraulic lifts, and air conditioning. It was a bold vision of modern comfort that set the standard for generations to come. Today, we honour that spirit of innovation with a series of extraordinary packages designed to surprise, delight, and inspire. Crafted by The Langham hotels around the world, each offers a contemporary expression of the brand's enduring promise: to push the boundaries of what luxury can be. Chief among the offers is the Langham Legacies Package*, an extraordinary six-night journey for six guests across two of the brand's most iconic destinations. Just as the original hotel in London ushered in a new era of luxury, the transatlantic experience is designed to redefine what today's traveller can expect from a celebratory escape. Beginning with three nights in the Empire State Penthouse Suite at The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, guests are enveloped in modern grandeur – complete with floor-to-ceiling views of the Empire State Building. A sommelier-led Chef's Table experience at the award-winning Ai Fiori, followed by an exclusive cocktail reception on the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building, celebrates New York's spirit of ambition and elegance. From there, guests are flown via private jet – with a dedicated flight attendant and top-shelf catering – to The Langham, London, the place where it all began. Here, they reside in the Sterling Suite, the hotel's most palatial accommodation, offering timeless refinement and personal butler service. A private four-course dinner atop Tower Bridge and an intimate cooking session with Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux at SAUCE by The Langham elevate the experience further – echoing the hotel's original role as a hub for royals, artists, and tastemakers. Other featured anniversary-themed packages from The Langham's hotels include: The Langham, Hong Kong package: A two-night experience in the Chairman Suite, beginning with a Bentley airport transfer and exclusive access to the Langham Club Lounge. Guests delve into Hong Kong's culinary traditions through a guided market tour with Chef Fai, culminating in a private dinner at the three-Michelin-starred T'ang Court. A rooftop couples' massage with Champagne and a private after-hours tour of the M+ Museum round out a journey that honours both cultural heritage and modern art. The Langham, Melbourne package: Guests are invited to take in Australia's dramatic landscapes through a luxury lens. Following a warm welcome in the Chairman Suite, they are treated to a private helicopter tour over the Great Ocean Road, with a gourmet lunch along the Bellarine Peninsula. Personalised in-room dining, wine at the acclaimed Society Restaurant, and a couples' treatment at Chuan Spa reflect The Langham's signature blend of local immersion and elevated comfort. The Langham, Sydney package: A two-night stay in the Observatory Suite, where refined interiors and sweeping views provide a serene retreat. A sunset yacht cruise on Sydney Harbour, an in-suite dinner served by a dedicated chef and waiter, and a couples treatment at The Day Spa by Chuan are designed to transport guests – much like The Langham, London once did for Victorian-era travellers seeking escape and elegance. The Langham, Gold Coast package: A relaxed but refined experience with a seaside flair. Guests staying in the Chairman Suite are pampered with Chuan Spa rituals, coastal yacht charters, and culinary indulgences – including a degustation dinner at T'ang Court and a private chef-led in-suite meal. It's a modern take on luxury – relaxed, immersive, and unmistakably Langham. Each package, while tailored to its locale, reflects a common thread: a dedication to the spirit of innovation, comfort, and cultural refinement that The Langham, London first introduced to the world 160 years ago. For details on the above packages or the anniversary packages at other hotels under The Langham, please contact the respective property teams directly or reach out to the media contact(s) listed below. Expressions of Taste: Indulgences Inspired by a History of Epicurean Excellence The Langham, London's arrival changed the way the world dined. The property became the first hotel to serve afternoon tea to the public, delighting Victorian high society with extravagant buffets, and embracing culinary innovation with one of the earliest hotel kitchens to be led by a celebrity chef. To honour this legacy, The Langham's hotels around the world are offering celebratory food and beverage experiences that pay homage to our storied past – while reimagining luxury and refinement for today. From 10 to 30 June 2025, guests can toast 160 years of unforgettable moments with The Langham Royale Punch – a playful, elegant drink inspired by the brand's heritage that is served complimentary to bar patrons during the daily Golden Hour (5 – 6 pm) at all properties. Guests visiting The Langham's hotels can also enjoy the brand's specially reimagined Battenberg Cake – a refined twist on the classic British teatime favourite. Created exclusively for the anniversary, the modernised version nods to The Langham's Victorian origins while showcasing the culinary creativity of its chefs worldwide. The Langham Pink Run: Celebrating With Purpose Around the World The Langham is not only marking its anniversary with luxury, but with purpose. Select hotels around the world will host The Langham Pink Run – a global initiative inviting guests, colleagues and local communities to participate in physical activities designed to support charitable causes in health, education, and sustainability. Each hotel will bring its own interpretation to the programme, with formats ranging from guided walks and fun runs to creative, art-inspired movement experiences. The goal is to foster connection, well-being, and collective impact – all while reflecting the spirit of the local community. Approximately 1,600 people are expected to take part in The Langham Pink Run around the world, either virtually or in person. The initiative takes its name from the brand's signature pink – a distinctive hue rediscovered in The Langham, London's original wallpaper during its 1987 restoration.
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Legendary BBC chef forced to shut two Michelin-starred restaurant warns of ‘dire situation' & UK ‘losing its identity'
A LEGENDARY BBC celebrity chef has warned of the "dire" situation facing the UK restaurant industry. Michel Roux, 64, has worked with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and has done stints on MasterChef: The Professionals. 3 The celebrity chef currently owns and operates two restaurants in the Langham hotel in London and four in Scotland. Roux ran the world famous Le Gavroche in Mayfair after taking over from his father Albert 1993. He ran the restaurant for decades until it sadly closed in January last year. The culinary legend has now warned of the dire situation facing the UK food industry. He said a slew of closures are imminent across the UK as restaurants struggle to keep afloat. The former MasterChef judge said the situation was "so depressing" adding that well-known high end restaurants could be impacted. He warned that "If we lose restaurants on the street corners, Britain will lose its identity". The world famous chef went on to ask "Who would want to open a restaurant now?" Born in Kent, Roux has worked as a chef since leaving school at 16, he trained in London, France and Hong Kong. He has said operating the double Michelin starred restaurant in Mayfair had him working 90-hour weeks. Roux closed Le Gavroche so he could "make time for a better work / life balance". The famous two-star eatery opened in 1967 and was known for launching the careers of several world famous chefs. 3 3 It has been run by the Roux family since opening but will now reportedly be run by Gordon Ramsay. Cooking legend and TV star Gordon Ramsay planned to take over the eatery when its closure was announced. Ramsay worked at the French restaurant in the early days of his career under Roux's father in the 90s. Famously Marco Pierre White and Marcus Wareing also did stints at Le Gavroche. The restaurant even served the late queen on her 90th birthday. Ramsay is now set to take over the site of Le Gavroche at 43 Upper Brook Street. Gordon Ramsay secured a 15-year lease on the site with one of his companies acquiring the licence. Union Street Cafe successfully applied for a premises licence transfer of the Roux family restaurant in February. Union Street Café is the trading name for Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, which operate Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza, Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, Lucky Cat and Bread Street Kitchen. Matt Abé who has been at Le Gavroche for 16 years will reportedly be staying on under Ramsay. More details on the fate of Le Gavroche are expected later this year. What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Michel Roux: ‘Many restaurants have closed. It's a dire situation'
Michel Roux, 64, was born in Kent, where his father, Albert, worked as a private chef. He left school at 16 to train as a chef and worked in France, Hong Kong and London before joining his uncle, Michel Sr, at the Waterside Inn in Berkshire in 1985 and then his father at Le Gavroche in 1991. In 1993 he took over the running of the restaurant until its closure in January 2024. He now has two restaurants within the Langham hotel in London and four in Scotland. His television work has included stints on MasterChef: the Professionals and Food and Drink. He lives in south London and France with his wife, Giselle. Their daughter, Emily, is also a chef. French restaurants lost their
