London rising
October 14, 2025 - From “a pin to an elephant” to an icon reborn, Six Senses London reimagines the legacy of the original Whiteleys emporium. With bookings now open, it ushers in a new rhythm for the city.
In 1863, inspired by the Great Exhibition and with just ten pounds in his pocket, William Whiteley opened a drapery shop at 31 Westbourne Grove in West London. Over the next decade, his audacity redefined retail: by 1867, he’d expanded into a row of 17 departments, claiming he could procure anything from “a pin to an elephant” (a challenge he famously fulfilled).
Some called him mad. We call him visionary. Now, as Six Senses London opens for bookings, General Manager Nick Yarnell shares how this new chapter continues the legacy of the Whiteleys emporium, offering a different rhythm for the city.
“We’re taking a ‘less-is-more’ approach, delivering exceptional quality without the fuss, formality, or pretension. We want to create a space that’s effortlessly cool, that embraces you, and that’s deeply rooted in its community. We believe that’s something truly special.”
Whiteleys has always embodied reinvention. When the first store was devastated by a fire, it rose again like a phoenix, opening on Queensway in 1911 to be acclaimed as the largest in the world and the most beautiful in the UK. Nick continues:
“In our re-telling of Whiteleys, you’ll spot many of the original features, including the iconic heritage façade and majestic dome. The arrival sets the tone: an Art Deco lobby, layered with greenery and framed by soaring ceilings. At its heart stands the original grand cascading staircase, once modelled on Milan’s La Scala and now revived for its new home, one that is no less theatrical.”
Whiteley’s Kitchen, Bar and Café carries forward its namesake’s pioneering spirit. Led by Executive Chef Eliano Crespi, the menu embraces fresh, seasonal ingredients through a philosophy of “borderless cuisine”. Each plate is generous, expressive, and prepared in an open kitchen, styled like a Victorian manor house, which you’ll pass through on your way to the dining room.
“We wanted to weave the building’s rich history into everything we do. The restaurant and bar belong to the neighborhood — a place where everyone feels welcome. We want you to feel the honesty of who we are. That openness means the first person you greet might well be the chef.”
The atmosphere is as memorable as the food: diners glow under the soft light of 28 hand-blown chandeliers, dappled with natural daylight spilling in from the courtyard.
Descending to the Six Senses Spa below, opulence shifts to stillness. A shallow reflecting pool anchors the space, its suspended pendant sculpture echoing the water’s surface. The vaulted design recalls a subterranean journey … fitting, as the River Westbourne flows silently beneath, from where it first rises in Hampstead before snaking its way to the Serpentine and on to the Thames.
“When our senses awaken, life becomes richer, more beautiful, and more meaningful. Whatever sparks joy, happiness and connection, especially to the amazing people and nature around you, that’s what we want to nurture.”
The natural theme continues in the Earth Lab, which will bring sustainability to life within the hotel. The ambition is to leave a regenerative impact beyond the walls too. Projects range from supporting the broader Bayswater revival to creating pollinator-friendly spaces for birds and butterflies across the city.
“We’ve built a team that cares and believes in small actions done consistently over time. Together, they’re going to add up to real change.”
Upstairs, the rooms and suites draw from Art Deco heritage, shifting with the light and mood as the day unfolds. The Whiteley Suite crowns the hotel, with two bedrooms, a statement kitchen, bathrooms designed for candlelit soaks, and an expansive terrace. Summing up the experience, Nick says:
“Whether your visit is brief or you’re settling in, every detail invites you to slip into this different rhythm. For a few moments, let the pace soften, the city fade, and the time feel yours again.”
Blending heritage with future-focused design, the 109 rooms and suites, many with private terraces, are now available for booking.