Dukes London is set to reopen in the second quarter of 2027, bringing one of the capital’s best-known luxury hotels back into operation after a major renovation. The 85-room property at 35 St James’s Place will return as Dukes London, Minor Reserve Collection, under the management of Minor Hotels.
The hotel is closely associated with Dukes Bar, a small but celebrated drinking spot known for its martinis and long history of attracting notable guests. The bar is also linked to one of the most recognisable drinks in popular culture. Its martinis are widely associated with Ian Fleming and the inspiration for James Bond’s famous drink order.
While the hotel has been closed for refurbishment, Dukes Bar has remained open. Its continued operation has allowed one of the property’s most distinctive features to carry on while the rest of the building undergoes a significant transformation.
The renovation is being led by Russell Sage Studio, with the redesigned hotel expected to retain the character and heritage that have long defined Dukes while introducing new spaces and accommodation. The reopening will include 13 executive suites and five signature suites, with the latter drawing inspiration from notable former guests.
The project is being developed through a partnership between Minor Hotels and Seven Tides. William E. Heinecke, chairman and founder of Minor International, described Dukes as a hotel with a particularly strong connection to London’s character and heritage. He said the partnership aims to preserve the property’s identity while bringing it into Minor Hotels’ international luxury portfolio.
One of the most significant additions will be The Delany Drawing Room, a new lounge and bar designed to complement Dukes Bar rather than replace it. Where martinis are central to Dukes Bar, whisky will take the lead at the new venue.
The Delany Drawing Room is expected to offer around 160 different whiskies, alongside Champagne and cocktails. The space will also include a conservatory and secluded garden, creating a setting that will extend beyond evening drinks. Afternoon tea will also be served there.
The hotel is also gaining a new restaurant through a partnership between Minor Hotels and The Wolseley Hospitality Group, the company behind London restaurants including The Wolseley and The Delaunay. Further details of the restaurant have yet to be announced.
The return of Dukes London will therefore be about more than reopening its guest rooms. The renovation is reshaping several parts of the property while keeping its most recognisable drinking destination in place.
For a hotel whose reputation has been built partly around its history, the challenge is to introduce new spaces without losing the atmosphere that made the address distinctive in the first place. The planned 2027 reopening will mark the next stage of that process, with Dukes Bar remaining at the centre of the property’s identity.
