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The enduring legacy of Café Royal Grill
“A cultural icon”: Eugene Leonard on the enduring legacy of Café Royal Grill
Stepping into Café Royal Grill is like entering a story in medias res – you feel an immediate and palpable connection to a historic space whose gilded walls have played host to London’s most dazzling society.
Today, the room continues to enchant, now offering a sophisticated all-day dining experience that deftly taps into the nostalgia of a bygone age. We sit amid its exquisite Grade II-listed interiors to speak with Eugene Leonard, General Manager of Hotel Café Royal, about preserving and celebrating an extraordinary heritage.
“Café Royal Grill has such a rich and storied past, and for me, the most important aspects to preserve and celebrate are the ones that truly capture its spirit.” Eugene shares, “What stands out is its role as a cultural icon during London’s Belle Époque. This was a place where artists, writers, and thinkers gathered — people like Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, and Virginia Woolf. That literary and intellectual energy lingers in the walls, and we keep that connection alive through storytelling, atmosphere, and thoughtful touches that reflect its history.”
Indeed, it’s easy to imagine Oscar Wilde in his flamboyant glory, holding court in this very room, delighting a rapt audience with his wit. Eugene agrees that the personalities who frequented these halls are central to its enduring allure: “There’s something special about the sheer range of people who’ve passed through these doors — from royalty to revolutionaries, celebrities to everyday Londoners. Remembering those figures and the moments they created here adds a layer of depth that’s hard to replicate. Even subtle tributes, whether in the menu or the décor, can keep their presence felt.”
Beyond its illustrious guests, Eugene suggests the architecture itself is a testament to an era of uncompromising glamour and beauty: “The Louis XVI-style interior, with its ornate ceilings and mirrored walls, is breathtaking. It doesn’t just represent a design era — it represents a philosophy of elegance and attention to detail that I believe should always be showcased.”
This commitment to preserving historical elegance while remaining relevant is precisely what sets Café Royal Grill apart in London’s dynamic culinary scene: “This is a restaurant that has truly stood the test of time. Its atmosphere still rings true today, resonating with a modern audience while carrying with it the charm and sophistication of another era. It has adapted without losing its essence, and that timeless quality is something incredibly rare.”
Eugene shares that this blend of heritage and contemporary appeal extends, naturally, to the culinary offerings: “Of course, the food is central to Café Royal’s legacy. Its reputation for fine dining, especially its French-influenced cuisine, is part of what made it iconic. Honouring that tradition — perhaps by offering a form of nostalgic dining that transports you back in time — is a beautiful way to stay grounded in its roots while still appealing to today’s tastes.”
The ongoing success of this remarkable restaurant is its unique capacity to honour an illustrious past while embracing the present, ensuring its iconic status is enjoyed by generations to come. “Above all, what makes Café Royal Grill special is its ability to evolve without losing its soul. That blend of old-world sophistication and modern edge is rare, and it’s something I’d want to protect and celebrate every step of the way.”
Do you have a Café Royal Grill story of your own to tell? To celebrate our hotel’s 160th anniversary, we’d love you to share your memories, milestones and moments spent here.
