This entirely new Entrance Hall space of 19 x18 metres is formed behind the west facade of the central courtyard. Eight detached faux marble columns with bronze plinths and capitals are modelled on the surviving historic columns of the original interiors. On arrival at the Entrance Hall guests are not immediately aware what the hotel holds in store for them, due to the configuration of the building.



The London Chancery Court Hotel sits behind the Beaux Epoch facade designed by Moncton and Newman in 1912 but not completed until the 1960's.

The three year refurbishment of this English Heritage Grade II listed building has been a collaboration between architects T P Bennett, designers EAA International and English Heritage.

For a central London venue this hotel has the rare luxury of an entrance approached through a carriageway and central courtyard, away from the teeming traffic of High Holborn.
 

Interior history
Only the High Holborn block containing the grand staircase and now the restaurant and bar has historic interiors and although the courtyard facades were all apparently built at the same time the east is new and the west and south only ever had the most utilitarian of interiors behind them.

Floor plan
The areas shown in blue, in the above floor plan, indicate the new build areas of the Chancery Court Hotel behind existing facades.

Roll over the plan to reveal the names of the different rooms and features of the hotel.


Eclectic interiors
The grandiose Edwardian interiors set the scene for what is largely a new building but one circumscribed by old facades, window positions, new services and structure. In developing the scheme the creation of a pastiche period interior was avoided although certain features were copied, and the loose furniture has been consciously selected to contrast with rather than compliment the listed interiors and architecture. The interiors are therefore truly eclectic but have a restrained atmosphere created by the use of limited materials and details and by closely co-ordinated colour schemes throughout.
   

Light and space
Seating is of two distinct styles - informal seating with sofas and banquettes surrounds the bar counter to create a brasserie style operation and differentiating it from The Bar and The Lounge.

Restaurant seating is arranged further into the room around a double row of marble columns used to create private spaces by the addition of a series of glazed screens. Because all elements in the room, including the ceiling and floor, are listed the biggest problem was how to illuminate it. Although there were eight old suspension points in the ceiling now with contemporary alabaster bowl fittings these would have provided insufficient light. The solution which became the dominant feature of the interior was to attach uplights to the glazed screens.

 


The Bar and QC Restaurant were designed to appeal also to the local, predominantly legal, community who have watched the progress of the refurbishment, and can be accessed from the carriageway directly off High Holborn. Hotel guests can enter from their rooms by the Grand Staircase or the lift within the staircase well.

Classic furnishings
The listed East and North walls of The Bar are restored and West and South elevations are new except for a double line of old columns between The Bar and the lift lobby. A modern-classic furnishing scheme includes silver Art-Deco style chandeliers, tall bronze torcheres and bar counter and back wall in flamed and bookmatched mahogany.

To the east of the carriageway the 174 seater QC Restaurant is separated from the other public rooms. This is the former banking hall with an entirely listed interior. The grandeur of the original interior survives and has been restored to its former splendour. By contrast the new fitting out and furnishings have been chosen to reduce the formality of the scheme and to introduce a contemporary, relaxed style and image. At 30x18 metres the space is dominated by a long bar counter backing onto High Holborn.
   
 
Intimate comfort
South of the Entance Hall The Lounge is a completely new space occupying the area behind the south facade of the central courtyard. This space of 34x9 metres is divided into two equal spaces by a central barrel-vaulted vestibule rising to 12 metres inside the south courtyard entrance where a pair of huge richly carved Italian Baroque console tables with marble tops flank the entrance. A series of spaces enhance the comfort and intimacy of a number of seating groups with a circulation route along the south wall marked by more faux marble columns.
 
 
 
The Grand Staircase
The spectacular marble 'Renaissance' style Grand Staircase forms the heart of Chancery Court and is its most dramatic original feature. Ascending from either side of the entrance arch the staircase forms a bridge at first floor level continuing up through all floors in a wide square spiral around a central open well, terminating below an unusual elliptical domed multifaceted oculus.


EAA International paid particular attention to the selection of artwork and antiques with much of the artwork specially commissioned from contemporary and known artists.

356 guestrooms including 13 suites and The Lord Chancellors Suite are arranged on seven floors and provide a range of 5 star accommodation with the majority of rooms at least 32sq. m. Due to the configuration of the building the guestooms and bathrooms all have unique layouts. The Chancery Court offers Executive rooms on the Renaissance Club floor complete with exclusive lounge.

Other facilities include twelve meeting rooms including two of the original Pearl Assurance boardrooms complete with their rich mahogany panelling and period features and a Ballroom and Ante Room approached by the sweeping double staircase from the Entrance Hall. The Ballroom at 31x16.5 m and 5.5 m high is a new space excavated beneath the central courtyard and has its roof structure supported by sixteen faux marble colums. Coming in September is the pre-requisite of all hotels, the health club.

 

Development Team:

Operator:
Marriott International / Renaissance

Designers:
EAA International

Architects:
T P Bennett

Main Contractor:
Laings

Main Suppliers:
Furniture:
- William McLean
- Kearns
Carpets:
- Brintons Ltd
Wallcoverings:
- Dixon Turner Wallcoverings

Photography:
Robert Hall
James Morgan

 
© Copyright Hotel Designs 2007