St. James Court, Taj London Hotel, Announces a New Appearance
Atmospheric
(Copyright text and images Jori White Public Relations Ltd)
St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel has unveiled an elevated new chapter,
marking the final stage of a multi-year transformation across the hotel and its sister property,
Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences.
Set on Buckingham Gate, moments from Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park, St.
James’ Court has long been one of Westminster’s most characterful luxury addresses. This
latest restoration takes the experience to another level, bringing fresh life to the hotel’s
ground and first floors, from the redesigned entrance and lobby through to the vibrant new
social centrepiece, 1897 - The Bar.
Alongside the bar, refined lounges and renewed rooms
for meetings, weddings, celebrations and private events broaden the hotel’s appeal, while
the significant expansion of Taj The Chambers, the brand’s exclusive private members’ club,
adds a more rarefied dimension for members.
The result is an address that feels more inviting, more atmospheric and more naturally
connected to the way guests want to spend time in London today.
The evolution has been led by Conran and Partners, the internationally renowned
architecture and interior design practice founded by Sir Terence Conran. It builds on the
studio’s existing relationship with the brand, following its previous work on Taj The
Chambers and TH@51 restaurant and bar, as well as other projects across Taj Hotels
globally.
The studio has brought a brighter, more expressive design language to the property,
creating a guest experience that reflects the rhythm and refinement of present-day London,
while retaining the discretion, warmth and service that have earned Taj its global reputation.
Referencing St. James’ Court’s late 19th-century origins, the updated aesthetic draws on
the property’s townhouse architecture, while introducing a calmer, more modern guest
journey through colour, texture, craftsmanship and detail.
From the moment guests step inside, the new design creates a stronger sense of occasion. The entrance opens into a
brighter space, where pale stone finishes, soft metallic details and a striking sculptural overhead installation make
a memorable first impression. The redesigned lobby then moves from lighter, urban tones towards a warmer
reception area, drawing the eye towards 1897 - The Bar and, beyond it, the courtyard. Long one of the
hotel’s most exceptional offerings, this al fresco space can now be glimpsed from arrival, giving an immediate feel for the atmosphere waiting at the heart of St. James’ Court.
Named after the year in which the prestigious red-brick townhouses, now home to the hotel, were built, 1897 - The Bar
introduces a sophisticated new social destination at the heart of St. James’ Court. Framed by deep green tones, polished surfaces and views towards the courtyard, the bar brings a more social, contemporary energy to the hotel, welcoming residents and non-residents alike for a pre-dinner cocktail, one of its tequila-led serves, an array of beautifully presented bar snacks or a longer nightcap, all in refined surroundings.
The addition of new whisky and cigar lounges further strengthens the hotel’s appeal as a
discreet London address for relaxed meetings, private conversations and evening
entertaining, with a more connoisseur-led experience built around some of the world’s finest
whiskies and cigars. Refreshed ground-floor corridors, lift lobby areas and washrooms
complete the enhanced arrival experience.
On the first floor, the newly reimagined event rooms now offer a more integrated, versatile
and elevated setting for meetings, dinners, receptions and multi-room events. With improved
access from street level, natural daylight and concealed integrated screens, they are
configured to move effortlessly from daytime meetings to elegant evening occasions.
The Ballroom, the hotel’s showpiece event space, has been sensitively restored with a
softer, lighter feel, enhancing its architectural character while creating a striking setting for
gala dinners, weddings, corporate occasions, conferences and presentations. With flexible
layouts, a domed trellised ceiling, crystal chandeliers and gold-accented wood-panelled
walls, it remains one of St. James’ Court’s most impressive venues.
Taj The Chambers has been significantly expanded, giving members greater scope to meet,
work, dine and entertain. Part of Taj’s global network of invitation-only private members’
clubs, it brings one of the brand’s most exclusive hospitality propositions into sharper focus
at St. James’ Court, combining business, connection and quiet retreat with access to
enhanced privileges and highly curated experiences. That elevated proposition is reflected
in the new first-floor extension, which adds a second boardroom, members’ lounge and
private dining room, while a gorgeous glass-roofed terrace overlooking the courtyard now
offers one of the hotel’s most singular settings for private events, drinks and member
gatherings.
The London expansion also strengthens the wider international story of Taj The Chambers,
with the club continuing to form a distinctive part of Taj’s luxury positioning at landmark
hotels around the world, including the newly opened Taj Hessischer Hof Frankfurt.
This phase follows a significant programme of investment across Taj’s London estate,
including upgrades to rooms, restaurants and guest facilities over recent years. Together,
these works create a stronger feeling of continuity, complementing an extraordinary
collection of dining, wellness and social offerings including TH@51, House of Ming, the J
Wellness Circle spa and Michelin-starred Quilon at Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and
Residences.
Corinna Luebbe, Cluster General Manager, said: “St. James’ Court has always had
remarkable character, but this latest chapter brings renewed confidence and a clearer
sense of identity. It celebrates the history of the building while introducing spaces that feel
totally relevant for today.
“Guests, members and event clients can now move through a hotel that feels more open,
more atmospheric and more connected to the life of London’s royal district, while still
preserving the warmth, discretion and highly personal service that define Taj. This latest
chapter strengthens St. James’ Court for the future and reinforces its place among the
capital’s most distinctive luxury addresses.”
St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, 54 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF
Further Information
St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London
Set in the heart of Westminster, St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel, London is a landmark Victorian
hotel known for its distinctive character, refined style and signature Taj hospitality.
Just a short
walk from Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park, the hotel is ideally positioned for guests
looking to experience one of London’s most storied neighbourhoods, whether visiting for business
or leisure. Its dining collection includes Michelin-starred Quilon; House of Ming, with its refined
Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine; award-winning Kona for afternoon tea and TH@51 Restaurant,
Bar and Courtyard, alongside a range of conference rooms and banqueting suites. The hotel is
also home to Taj The Chambers, the brand’s exclusive, invitation-only private members’ club.
Website: https://www.stjamescourthotel.co.uk/en/
Instagram: @sjctaj
