Restoration of St Pancras and the Renaissance‎ Hotel (Includes interview and first-hand account)

St Pancras railway station is a central London railway terminus. It is a building constructed in the Victorian times (by William Henry Barlow, from 1860) and it it has since seem times of wear and tear, and risk of demolition. In recent years much of the building, inside and outside, has been restored to its original condition: that of a Gothic wonder.

The station is now full of bars and shops and among the many train services, the Eurostar — linking London to Paris — has its main terminus within the station.

The restored station has 15 platforms, a shopping centre and a bus station, and is served by London Underground’s King’s Cross St. Pancras station.

Tim Sandle

Eurostar trains ready to whisk travelers to Paris or Brussels. The longer international platforms, used by Eurostar, extend a considerable distance southwards within the St Pancras station complex.

Tim Sandle

There are several items in display throughout the station, including a statue of the poet Sir John Betjeman, and this one, entitled The Meeting Place, which stands beneath the station clock.

Designed by British artist Paul Day, the tall statue is intended to evoke the romance of travel through the depiction of a couple locked in an amorous embrace.

Tim Sandle

Forming the front piece of the station is the St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel. This is a five-star luxury hotel, owned by the Marriott group.

The hotel is set within the architectural masterpiece, as designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. It is one of the most romantic buildings in London.

Tim Sandle

The hotel is partly made up of the former Midland Grand Hotel, which was designed by the architect George Gilbert Scott, and a vast area that was used for railway administration.

A view of the front of the railway station and entrance to the hotel. The Gothic wonder of the building can be clearly seen.

Tim Sandle

The hotel lobby contains many interesting and changing features. The wooden sculpture to the right is designed to raise awareness about cancer.

The hotel building was once known as St Pancras Chambers.

Tim Sandle

Many of the original fixture and fittings remain.

An impressive archway towers above passersby in the Renaissance London Hotel.

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A pillar, with a chance to peer into the hotel lobby. The pillar is one of the original features in the hotel. The hotel seamlessly mingles Victorian splendor with contemporary style

Tim Sandle

Part of the original tiling and doorway, located deep within the Renaissance London Hotel.

Tim Sandle

There are also unexpected treasures, such as this piano, available for the passing guests to amuse themselves on, tucked away under an alcove.

A small piano, tuned and read to be played at the Renaissance London Hotel.

Tim Sandle

The new hotel is vast, consisting of some 244 bedrooms, together with two restaurants, two differently themed bars, a health and leisure center, a ballroom, plus 20 meeting and function rooms.

The central staircase is a vast, twisting structure — impressive from the top.

A view of the restored staircase from the top, looking down. The carpet is a rich tapestry of color, pattern and texture.

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And from the bottom.

The central staircase at the Renaissance London Hotel, as viewed from the ground floor.

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Of the restaurants, the most interesting is the Gilbert Scott, named after the architect Sir George Gilbert Scott (13 July 1811 – 27 March 1878). Scott’s favorite designs were those in the Gothic style and much of the hotel reflects this.

Operated by Marcus Wareing, one of Britain’s most celebrated chefs, The Gilbert Scott is a distinctive bar and restaurant experience.

Tim Sandle

Of the two bars, the cocktail bar, serving an innovative array of drinks, is the liveliest.

The cocktail bar at the Renaissance London Hotel. It is called the Hansom Lounge.

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One of the most impressive things about the cocktail bar is its ceiling, decorated in a style reminiscent of William Morris.

The ceiling resembles the work of William Morris. William Morris is best known for his pattern designs which look to nature for their ideas, drawing and stylized through his detailed knowledge of historical styles.

Tim Sandle