Few London hotels carry the weight of history that Dukes does. Tucked into St James's Place, a quiet cul-de-sac between Piccadilly and Green Park, the property has long been a magnet for writers, diplomats, and royalty. Its bar, Dukes Bar, is credited with inspiring Ian Fleming's famous line for James Bond: “shaken, not stirred.” Now, after a period of renovation, the hotel has confirmed it will reopen in the second quarter of 2027 under the name Dukes London, Minor Reserve Collection.
The 85-room hotel is being transformed by Russell Sage Studio, a London-based design firm known for its work on luxury hospitality projects. The renovation will introduce 13 executive suites and five signature suites, each said to be inspired by notable past guests. While the hotel has remained partially open—Dukes Bar has continued to serve its celebrated martinis throughout the works—the full reopening will bring a new chapter to this storied address.
A new lounge with a whisky focus
Alongside the refreshed rooms, the hotel will debut The Delany Drawing Room, a lounge and bar that will pivot away from martinis and toward whisky. With 160 different whiskies on offer, alongside Champagne and cocktails, the space is designed to appeal to connoisseurs. It will also feature a conservatory and a secluded garden, and will serve afternoon tea—a staple of the London hotel scene.
The choice of name, The Delany Drawing Room, nods to the hotel's heritage. The original Dukes Hotel was built in the early 20th century on the site of a former townhouse, and the area has long been associated with aristocratic and literary figures. The new lounge aims to capture that atmosphere while offering a more intimate alternative to the bustling Dukes Bar.
William E. Heinecke, chairman and founder of Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels, said in a statement: “Few hotels capture the character and heritage of London quite like Dukes. Together with our trusted partner Seven Tides, we look forward to the hotel's next chapter, preserving Dukes London's unique identity while expanding its reach through Minor Hotels' global luxury platform.”
The partnership with Seven Tides, a Dubai-based developer, underscores the international interest in London's luxury hospitality market. Minor Hotels, which operates brands such as Anantara and NH, has been expanding its European footprint in recent years, and the Dukes renovation is a key part of that strategy.
For those who have followed the hotel's fortunes, the reopening date is a long-awaited confirmation. The property has been undergoing phased renovations, and the announcement gives clarity to guests and industry watchers alike. The hotel's location, just steps from the Ritz and the Royal Academy, places it at the heart of London's cultural and diplomatic life.
The renovation comes at a time when London's hotel market is seeing a wave of investment, with several iconic properties undergoing major overhauls. The city's appeal as a global hub for business and tourism remains strong, and the reopening of Dukes is likely to attract attention from both leisure and corporate travellers.
While the hotel will be rebranded under the Minor Reserve Collection, the operators have stressed that the essence of Dukes will remain. The bar, with its velvet banquettes and hushed atmosphere, will continue to serve its signature martinis, prepared tableside from a trolley. The new suites, meanwhile, are expected to blend contemporary comfort with the building's Edwardian bones.
For fans of literary history, the connection to Ian Fleming is a draw. The author was a regular at Dukes Bar in the 1950s, and it is said that the precise, ritualistic way the bartenders prepared martinis inspired Bond's famous order. The hotel has leaned into this legacy, and the renovation is unlikely to diminish it.
As London prepares for a busy decade of events and developments, the reopening of Dukes in 2027 will be a moment to watch. The hotel's blend of tradition and modernity, its prime location, and its new whisky lounge are all elements that should ensure its continued relevance in a competitive market.
For those planning a visit, the hotel's website is already taking enquiries for stays after the reopening. In the meantime, Dukes Bar remains open for those who wish to raise a glass to the past—and to the future.
