This year, The Langham, London marks an extraordinary milestone: 160 years as Europe’s original grand hotel. To mark the occasion, the hotel unveils Gilded Gastronomy—a curated series of culinary experiences inspired by the elegance of the Victorian era.
Since opening its doors in 1865, The Langham has defined timeless luxury through its dedication to impeccable service, culinary excellence, and enduring charm. Gilded Gastronomy honours this legacy with a suite of events and offerings. Ranging from Champagne rituals to heritage-inspired dishes that connect the grandeur of the past with the sophistication of the present.
“Taittinger Time” at The Langham Lobby and Club Lounge
In partnership with Champagne Taittinger, The Langham introduced “Taittinger Time”. More specifically, a nightly celebration held for five days in June. Each evening at the delightfully whimsical hour of 18:65 (7:05 pm)—a playful nod to the hotel’s founding year—guests gathered in the Palm Court lobby to mark the moment with a complimentary pour of Taittinger Prestige Rosé.
Served from five Jeroboams—one for each evening—this expressive Champagne lent sparkle to the occasion and highlighted the longstanding partnership between The Langham and Taittinger. Meanwhile, upstairs in the Langham Club Lounge, the celebration continued. With the Langham Anniversary Punch, a bespoke cocktail that offered a spirited, modern take on Victorian hospitality.
Whether the energy of the lobby or the privacy of the Club Lounge, Taittinger Time was more than a toast; it was a tribute to the joy of shared moments and the enduring spirit of 1865.
Afternoon Tea & Hot Air Balloon Competition
Palm Court | Till 9 September
As the birthplace of Afternoon Tea, The Langham honours this tradition with a menu combining multiple centuries of flavour. Including curried Shropshire chicken sandwiches, truffled egg, signature custard cream, and patisserie such as Charlotte with apricot and Earl Grey. Thus, all culminating in the regal “Queen of Ices.”
In addition, a four-metre-tall Victorian-style hot air balloon installation in Palm Court adds theatrical flair. Snap a creative photo with the balloon and tag The Langham and Taittinger on social media. Alongside this, a chance to win a night’s stay for three at The Langham, London, along with an exclusive balloon flight at a UK balloon festival.
To make this experience even more inclusive, a limited number of Afternoon Teas will be offered at a symbolic £18.65, with ten lucky ones randomly selected over the first 16 days to enjoy the experience at this special rate.
ARTESIAN Bar | The ‘Purple Velvet’ Cocktail
10 June – Until sold out
The award-winning Artesian bar joins the celebration with the limited-edition Purple Velvet, a cocktail inspired by the robust palates of Victorian Britain. Furthermore, this striking serve blends London Dry Gin, lemon juice, violet liqueur, sugar syrup, and Champagne, topped with stout caviar. Also paired with a Carlingford oyster and mignonette sauce, it’s a theatrical nod to the past, limited to just 160 servings—each one a sip of history.
The Wigmore’s Lobster Roll
Till 31 July
At The Wigmore, the humble lobster roll reflects Victorian Britain’s evolving tastes. Once considered a “poor man’s protein,” lobster became a culinary status symbol in the 19th century. Served warm in a soft, buttery bun and wrapped in custom 1860s-style newspaper, the roll honours this transformation. What’s more, this dish also marks a transatlantic collaboration with The Fed at The Langham, Boston, celebrating a shared Anglo-American culinary heritage.
The Ultimate Anniversary Transatlantic Celebration Package
From £200,000 | By enquiry only
For the ultimate expression of celebration, The Langham presents an extraordinary six-night journey for one party of six, spanning London and New York:
- Three nights in The Penthouse at The Langham, New York, with a sommelier-led Chef’s Table at Michelin-starred Ai Fiori and a private cocktail reception atop the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building.
- Private jet transfer to London, complete with bespoke onboard service.
- Three nights in the Sterling Suite at The Langham, London, paired with a private Tower Bridge dinner and a cooking session with Michel Roux at SAUCE by The Langham.
Whether you’re raising a glass during Taittinger Time, dining beneath a Victorian hot air balloon, or indulging in a lobster roll wrapped in history, Gilded Gastronomy is more than a celebration—it’s a reflection of The Langham’s enduring spirit. It captures the art of hospitality across centuries, inviting guests to savour not just flavour, but heritage, imagination, and elegance.
To discover more visit The Langham London
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All imagery courtesy of The Langham London.