The Nutcracker at Hotel Café Royal

This winter, the tale of The Nutcracker unfolds not just on London’s grand stages, but within Hotel Café Royal itself. Inspired by Tchaikovsky’s 19th-century masterpiece, our décor pays tribute to one of the world’s most beloved ballets.

A Story Born from Imagination

The tale of The Nutcracker began more than seven decades before it first graced the stage in Russia in 1892. “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King”, penned by the German Romantic writer E.T.A. Hoffmann, was a dark and chilling story about a young girl named Marie who discovers that her toy nutcracker has come to life. 

The Nutcracker we know today, performed to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s magnetic score, is a lighter, more whimsical adaptation by French novelist Alexandre Dumas – the celebrated author of The Three Musketeers. Along with the more uplifting tone, Marie’s name was changed to Clara along the way and it’s her we picture dancing by the tree.

Tchaikovsky’s music, commissioned by St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre as a festive treat, originated in sadness. Grieving from the death of his beloved sister, Sasha, he spun memories of their last Christmas into musical gold – you can hear it in the tinkling bells of the celesta in the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and the harp’s strings and full-bodied sound of the “Waltz of the Flowers”.

More than 130 years after its premiere, The Nutcracker remains one of the most performed ballets throughout the world. In London, that legacy lives on at the London Coliseum and Royal Albert Hall whose annual productions have become cherished rituals of the city’s festive season. Both venues are within easy reach of Hotel Café Royal – if you need travel assistance or booking advice, our concierge is happy to help.

A Festive Tribute at Café Royal

“Our Nutcracker-inspired decorations are a combination of exuberance and elegance,” shares Eugene Leonard, General Manager of Hotel Café Royal. “I’m excited to see the performances in our beautiful lobby with dancers bringing scenes from The Nutcracker to life.” As evening falls, a choir gathers beneath the cascading chandelier, filling the hotel with the harmonious sound of carols.

In a nod to The Nutcracker’s Kingdom of Sweets – where candied confections are animated through dance – gingerbread men and plum cakes are served at Albert Adrià’s Cakes & Bubbles. Classic bakery treats such as panettone are joined by new creations, including zesty Mandarina, indulgent Yuzu Waffle, and the minty hit of an After Eight. Each evokes the fantasy of Clara’s journey and the ballet’s most beguiling scenes.

“We wanted our guests to feel as if they’re stepping into a dream,” Eugene explains. “Our designers have added playful touches like toy soldiers standing guard over Afternoon Tea which is not only served in the Café Royal Grill but also in the Domino Room. Live music is an important part of the experience with pianists tinkling the ivories during tea.” Outside, at the Green Bar’s Courvoisier Winter Terrace, snuggle under a blanket, and sip warming cocktails.

Much like the story of The Nutcracker, Hotel Café Royal endures as a symbol of transformation – ever-evolving yet steeped in tradition. From its Belle Époque origins to its place in contemporary London, it remains a setting where imagination comes to life.

This festive season, experience the wonder as you stroll through London, from the joy of the dance to streets lined with twinkling lights, arriving at a hotel that stirs the emotions. Discover The Nutcracker at Hotel Café Royal, where history, art, and enchantment await.