When the Hotel Russell opened in 1898, it fast became the talk of town for its grand terracotta façade. In recent years, the Grade II-listed property has been in a sad state of decline, but happily, it has just emerged from a lavish overhaul of its interiors.
Designers Tara Bernerd and Russell Sage have modernised the 334-room hotel, now renamed The Principal, with a dose of creamy drapery, tufted fabric, and artwork that is meant to evoke the neighbourhood’s Bloomsbury artistic and literary heritage.
The restored Palm Court is once more a light-washed aerie, while chef Brett Redman’s perch in Neptune restaurant sports a raw bar, and an aquatic menu speckled with Exmoor caviar, Isle of Mull scallops, and cured chalk stream trout served with mole-spiced beetroot.
ADDRESS
1-8 Russell Square
-
Chef Ray Garcia brings Broken Spanish back to life on LA’s WestsideClosed during the pandemic, Broken Spanish lives again in spirit as Ray Garcia reopens the conversation with modern Mexican cooking and layered interiors
-
Inside a skyrise Mumbai apartment, where ancient Indian design principles adds a personal take on contemporary luxuryDesigned by Dieter Vander Velpen, Three Sixty Degree West in Mumbai is an elegant interplay of scale, texture and movement, against the backdrop of an urban vista
-
A bespoke studio space makes for a perfect architectural showcase in HampshireWinchester-based architects McLean Quinlan believe their new finely crafted bespoke studio provides the ultimate demonstration of their approach to design
-
Upgrade your fish and chips at Corenucopia by Clare SmythThe three-star chef brings her mastery of British classics to Belgravia, with lavish interiors, nostalgic flavours and a distinctly playful sense of excess
-
Take an exclusive look at the Royal Albert Hall’s new Artists’ BarLocal architecture studio BDP converts the Royal Albert Hall’s steam boiler house into a sophisticated bar for performers (and their guests – see if you can get yourself invited)
-
Stay at the childhood home of Jessie Buckley’s character in HamnetCwmmau Farmhouse, available as a holiday let through the National Trust, stars in the Golden Globe-winning film as the childhood home of Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes
-
The most anticipated hotel openings of 2026From landmark restorations to remote retreats, these are the hotel debuts shaping the year ahead
-
The most stylish hotel debuts of 2025A Wallpaper* edit of this year’s defining hotel openings. Design-led stays to shape your next escape
-
Neo-Gothic grandeur and decadent martinis await at Hawksmoor St PancrasThe dining room at the St Pancras London hotel has proved to be a revolving door for big-name chefs; now, it's Hawksmoor’s time to shine
-
Form... and flavour? The best design-led restaurant debuts of 2025A Wallpaper* edit of the restaurant interiors that shaped how we ate, gathered and lingered this year
-
At last: a London hotel that’s great for groups and extended staysThe July London Victoria, a new aparthotel concept just steps away from one of the city's busiest rail stations, is perfect for weekends and long-term visits alike
