St. Pancras London, Autograph Collection

St. Pancras London has lived several lives since it first opened in 1873 as the Midland Grand Hotel. Built at the height of the railway age, it was the last and most extravagant of the great railway hotels, designed to impress travelers arriving by steam train. For its time, it included advanced fireproof construction. Despite its early success, the hotel closed in 1935 because it had become too expensive to run, and it spent decades as railway offices rather than a place to stay.

The building survived wartime bombing and later came close to demolition in the 1960s, before preservation campaigns led by the poet Sir John Betjeman secured its protection as a historic landmark. In 1967, it was granted Grade I listed status. Its revival only became possible when Pancras station was chosen as the London terminal for high speed rail links to Europe. That decision brought new investment and led to a careful restoration.

The hotel reopened in 2011, combining restored Victorian spaces with new wings and updated facilities. Today as part of the Autograph Collection, it continues to evolve, acknowledging its past through small rituals and designs while functioning as a working hotel for modern travelers rather than a preserved museum piece.

St. Pancras London stands out because of how unapologetically Victorian it is. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, the building is a bold Gothic Revival landmark, built in red brick and terracotta with pointed arches, spires, and heavy stone detailing. It was meant to be seen from a distance, acting as a dramatic arrival point for rail travelers entering London. Even today, the scale and ornamentation make it feel more like a civic monument than a hotel.

Inside, the mood shifts from dramatic to carefully detailed. The grand staircase remains the heart of the building, with vaulted ceilings, carved stone, ironwork, and patterned tiles that show off the craftsmanship of the period. Many original features were restored rather than replaced, from decorative columns to tiled floors and plasterwork, so the interior still carries the texture and weight of its age.

The original layout reflected how hotels worked in the 19th century, with large public rooms and long corridors. During the restoration, the team avoided major changes and focused on repairing stonework and bringing old details back. Today, the contrast is intentional. Public spaces still feel grand, while guest rooms and newer wings are simpler and more practical. The building doesn't feel frozen in time, but it also does not hide its age.

The Hansom

The Hansom is the hotel's main dining space and stays open throughout the day, from breakfast through dinner. The room feels shaped by the history of the building. Mornings start with a range of breakfast options, from coconut chia pudding, fresh fruit salad, or avocado on sourdough with poached eggs, to baked goods like croissants, pain au chocolat, or daily muffins. For something more filling, there are protein-rich plates like Goldstein smoked salmon with scrambled eggs.

The all-day menu leans towards familiar British dishes. Seafood is a regular, including oysters, alongside steaks, fish and chips, burgers, and a solid range of vegetarian options. Desserts follow the same approach as the rest of the menu, familiar and filling. On weekends, live music adds to the atmosphere.

Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Dress Code: Casual

Booking Office 1869

The Booking Office 1869 sits inside what used to be the station's original ticket hall, and that history is hard to miss. Designed by award-winning French designer Hugo Toro, the layout keeps close to the past, with a winter garden feel that works well with the Victorian structure. The space stays open from early morning until late, with live music in the evenings that brings the room to life. Weekends feel louder and more social, with DJs playing late into the night.

Sundays slow things down with live jazz during lunch hours. The hotel has a mix of options from Sunday roasts and brunch-style dishes to a full cocktail menu. The space works for travelers passing through the station as much as for hotel guests and sits right in the heart of the building.

Opening hours:
Monday – Friday: 7 am to 12 am
Saturday – Sunday: 7 am to 1 am

Dress Code: Casual

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is served at the Hansom and is really about the tea itself. The hotel worked with the Rare Tea Company, so the list goes well beyond the usual blends. You can choose from strong black teas, lighter and white teas, oolong, and a good range of herbal infusions, many of them sourced from places like China, Malawi, Japan, and Cornwall.

The food follows the classic afternoon tea format and is designed to pair with the tea. Expect finger sandwiches with fillings, followed by freshly baked plain and raisin scones served with clotted cream and jam. The final course is a selection of small pastries and cakes, which change from time to time. Prices start at GBP 59 (USD 79.28) per person for the classic tea, with options to add Champagne or sparkling tea.

Opening hours: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm (daily)

St. Pancras London has a range of spaces for weddings and celebrations, from smaller, more private spots to large, open rooms. The building itself is full of Victorian details, grand staircases, and period features, so the surroundings already set a historic scene. There are options for pre-wedding dinners, rehearsal gatherings, or brunches the day after, and the local partners can help with things like flowers, cakes, hair, and stationery. The hotel is right in central London, with easy transport links, which makes getting there simple for guests.

Hansom Hall
Venue type and style: The hotel's largest event space, once the prestigious drop-off point for Hansom cabs bringing wealthy travelers, combines history and grandeur. Its soaring ceilings, elegant detailing, and open floor ake it perfect for large-scale weddings or receptions.
Capacity: Up to 575 guests

Booking Office 1869
Venue type and style: The Victorian-inspired winter garden has a warm and lively setting. Booths within the space accommodate medium-sized groups, while exclusive hire offers a more private celebration, perfect for intimate ceremonies.
Capacity: Up to 200 guests

The Hansom
Venue type and style: Once the cobbled railway where cabs dropped off travelers, The Hansom is now an iconic bar with historic character. Its intimate yet flexible space works well for wedding drinks, pre-party receptions, or smaller celebrations
Capacity: Up to 140 guests

St. Pancras Terrace
Venue type and style: A unique open-air space overlooking the British Library, the terrace is available for exclusive hire. Its versatile setting makes it ideal for seasonal weddings or small receptions.
Capacity: Up to 100 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

If you want to stay close to the hotel, there's plenty to keep you busy without even stepping outside. The St. Pancras Spa, considered London's most distinguished spa, is a calm spot tucked inside the building. It has six treatment rooms, including a couple's suite, plus a heated pool with hydro loungers, a sauna, and a steam room. Treatments draw on both Victorian traditions and global wellness rituals. For those who like to keep moving, the hotel fitness center has everything from Technogym cardio and resistance machines to free weights and Kinesis stations.

You can even join a small ritual that's been going on since the hotel opened on 5th May 1873 everyday at 5:05 pm, there's the Victorian Punch ritual in the Booking Office 1869. Guests gather for a cup of rum punch, celebrating the hotel's history in a way that's fascinating. Step outside, and London unfolds right at your feet. Just across the way is the British Library, a quiet place full of history and stories.

A short stroll along Regent's Canal takes you to Coal Drops Yard in Granary Square, where modern shops and cafes sit alongside historic architecture, making it easy to spend a few hours browsing stores or stopping for coffee. If you love nature, Regent's Park is perfect for a slow morning walk or a picnic in the open air. It's one of London's Royal Parks with wide lawns. Nearby London Zoo sits within the park, offering a fun day out if you're traveling with family or just feel like exploring animals from around the world.

History lovers can head to one of the world's most famous, The British Museum, or visit The Foundling Museum, which tells the story of London's original home for abandoned children and London's first ever public art gallery. And of course, for fans of Harry Potter, Platform 9 and 3/4 at King's Cross is just around the corner for a quick photo and sense of magic. Step a little further, and London opens up completely. From Big Ben and the Tower of London to side streets hiding independent shops and cafes, there's something to see on every corner, museums, street food, markets, or even just wandering the parks.

St. Pancras London hosts both corporate and private events, from small board meetings and proposals to birthday celebrations and larger gatherings. The hotel has 12 versatile venues accommodating up to 575 guests, with flexible layouts. Spaces range from the grand Hansom Hall to more intimate rooms like the Billiard Room, The Exchange, and The Cashier, each with historic character and unique stories. The Quarters and The Station Master's Office have practical setups, making them ideal for events of all types. Catering is available throughout, keeping guests refreshed while they enjoy the event. For more details or to discuss your event, you can reach out to the team directly.