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Eater London understands from sources that the five-star hotel and resort Gleneagles is to expand into London. Industry publication MCA tweeted that “Hoxton Hotels owner Ennismore is looking to open a private members club inspired by its Gleneagles resort in London's Mayfair.” An elite old-world destination occupying 850 acres in Perthshire, Gleneagles dates from 1924. It sells pristine Highlands air, downtime in its mega-luxe spa, and oneupmanship on its three championship golf courses. Quite how its proprietors — that’s Ennismore, owners of Hoxton Hotel group and Breddos Tacos — plan to recreate the Scottish heritage brand amid the teeming fleshpots of Mayfair is anyone’s guess. Would it be crass to expect wood panelling, Timorous Beasties wallpaper and metric tons of Scotch and caviar?
Established as a private investment firm by Sharan Pasricha in 2011, Ennismore bought Gleneagles from drinks behemoth Diageo in 2015, in a deal worth around £150m, and swiftly embarked on a multimillion pound rolling refurbishment project. Among its dining rooms and bars is Andrew Fairlie, the only restaurant in Scotland to hold two Michelin stars.
Eater London understands that the exact location of Gleneagles’ London twin is at 6 Grafton Street. The timing of the rumour is fashionable: Following years of quiet, with Gymkhana the only truly thrilling launch, Mayfair is about to see plenty of openings, with Dabbawala coming to Maddox Street, French import Bagatelle to Hanover Square, Raw & BBQ to Berkeley Street, and Sabor to Heddon Street, joining recent hot newcomers Ikoyi and Neo Bistro.
Eater London understands that the development will not open until next year, but the official timeline is not known. Stay tuned for more details as they become available.