The Hong Kong-based luxury hotel group made its British debut just under year ago, but Tuesday marked the roll out of its official grand opening party.
The VIP event welcomed more than 2,500 guests for an evening of entertainment and cuisine at the prestigious Belgravia property, a project that took 30 years from start to finish and cost more than a £1 billion to complete.
High-profile guests at the party included the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the special occasion. The royal couple were joined by a number of other regal and aristocratic faces, including Prince Michael of Kent, King Pavlov of Greece and Marie-Chantal Miller, Lady Helen Taylor, Lady Penny Mountbatten, and Princess Alia Al Senussi.
A number of celebrities, including Sophie Turner, Billie Piper, Pixie Geldof, Sabrina Elba, Kelly Hoppen and Grace Carter, were also present.
The event was hosted by industry leaders Michael Kadoorie, chairman of The Hongkong and Shanghai Hotels, along with several members of the Kadoorie family, founders of the prestigious hotel brand.
The launch of Peninsula London marks the 12th addition to the brand’s global portfolio, which includes properties in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, New York, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Paris, Bangkok, Manila and Istanbul.
Guests at the extravagant party were treated to performances from Chinese Lion dancers, the London Philharmonic Orchestra, a roster of nine live bands and several DJs, as well as a courtyard filled with gourmet food trucks and vintage cars.
The newly-built hotel, which is situated on Grosvenor Place, features 190 guest rooms and suites designed by New York-based architect Peter Marino.
There are also a number of culinary experiences, including the rooftop Brooklands restaurant, led by Michelin-starred chef Claude Bosi, a spa and wellness centre with a 25-metre pool, and a luxury retail arcade.
