A quiet courtyard off St James's is home to one of London's most storied hotels — and after a full-scale refurbishment, Dukes London is set to reopen in spring 2027 as part of Minor Hotels' new Minor Reserve Collection.
The Edwardian property first opened in 1908 and has spent more than a century hosting statesmen and film stars in its 85 rooms and suites. Its refurbishment, led by Russell Sage Studio, will refresh every room, including 13 executive suites and five signature suites themed around notable figures from the St James's neighbourhood. A new restaurant run with the Wolseley Hospitality Group — the people behind the Wolseley and the Delaunay — is also on the way, plus a renamed Delany Drawing Room pouring some 160 whiskies alongside champagne and cocktails.
But for many travellers, the real draw has always been Dukes Bar. It was the regular haunt of Ian Fleming, who wrote at his favourite table there and is credited with inventing the Vesper Martini — the gin, vodka and a-splash-of-vermouth drink James Bond orders in Casino Royale. Legend has it Sean Connery and Pierce Brosnan both celebrated landing the 007 role over the hotel's famous martinis, which arrive tableside from a trolley, mixed by a bartender in a white tuxedo. Bond fans may also enjoy the local gossip: Jack Brooksbank, husband of Princess Eugenie, once claimed a secret tunnel links St James's Palace directly to the bar, though he admitted he'd never used it.
Fans of the bar can rest easy — it never closed. While the guest rooms are being gutted and rebuilt, Dukes Bar has stayed open throughout and will keep serving until the full reopening. The famous frozen martini still flows, though expect a suitably luxury price tag. Once the hotel reopens, its conservatory and tucked-away garden will host afternoon tea, private parties and receptions.
The deal matters beyond London, too. It's the first European project between Minor Hotels and Dubai-based owner Seven Tides, and the UK debut for the Minor Reserve Collection, a new boutique heritage label from the group behind Anantara and Avani. Minor founder William E. Heinecke called Dukes a defining moment for the brand, praising how few hotels capture London's character so well.
For travellers, this is one to watch: a genuinely historic, small luxury hotel in one of central London's most elegant corners — moments from Jermyn Street, Piccadilly and the royal parks — returning with upgraded suites and serious food credentials. Bond devotees needn't wait until 2027, though. Pull up a stool at Dukes Bar now, order the Vesper, and toast Fleming at his old table while the rest of the hotel gets its glow-up.
