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COURTHOUSE HOTEL LONDON CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

by Laura Crockett

Here at Ultra Vie we recently spoke with the Director of the Courthouse Hotel London, Girish Sanger, which is celebrating it’s 10th Birthday. We recently featured an event on our platform at the Soho Sky Terrace. The luxurious destination is housed in the hotel and is one of the most exclusive rooftop bars in London. With the summer season well underway the Soho Sky Terrace is proving to be one of the best places to go. We caught up with the astute businessman to ask him his opinions on the industry and how he feels the Courthouse Hotel fits in.

With so many rooftop bars appearing across the London Skyline this summer, what sets the Terrace at the Courthouse Hotel London apart from the rest?

We have a rich, colourful history that sets us apart from a lot of Central London establishments; the Courthouse Hotel is an integral part of what makes London so interesting, and the refurbished Soho Sky Terrace provides an opulent, relaxing way to enjoy it, and London, even further!

Soho Sky Terrace
What events have you got planned for the terrace to take advantage of the gorgeous weather London’s been having recently?

Following the fantastic launch in Late July, we also hosted a premiere party for the hilarious Sharknado 3 in conjunction with the Syfy channel. The next few months we will welcome people to come and visit the space for either a party, or an after-work drink or whatever takes their fancy, it’s a versatile space in the centre of London.

You’re based in the heart of London’s creative hub in Soho- do you find yourself constantly wanting to update to compete with the trends, or stay true to yourself?

While staying relevant is important, I’ve always found that being such a staple of the area continues to keep us at the forefront of things. We work hard to make sure the Courthouse Hotel London offers a wonderful experience, whether you’re here for two weeks or just visiting the Sky Terrace for the evening.

Tell me more about the concept behind the Courthouse Hotel London – what inspired the design?

A lot of our features pay homage to the building’s history for being the Marlborough Street Magistrates Court; one of our restaurants, Silk, features the original judge’s bench, dock and witness stand, where trials of Oscar Wilde and Mick Jagger all took place. The Bar also houses the original holding cells, now available for private hire and decorated with evocative murals of those previously tried at the court, including John Lennon, Mick Jagger and Christine Keeler. We tried to implement a subtle blend between the traditional elements of its former use and the current more trendy/vibrant feeling created by the immediate vicinity of Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Soho.

Courthouse Hotel - Exterior
What was your personal route into the hospitality sector?

I have always been intrigued with the hospitality sector as everyday allows you to interact with different walks of life. My passion has always remained in the creation of a return from non performing assets and this building is a prime example.

With one of the largest private cinemas in London, what were the thoughts behind setting up a cinema in a hotel, as it’s quite a unique feature of the Courthouse?

Soho is home to many post production houses, media and lifestyle companies and a cinema could only further add to their requirements. I am also an avid movie buff and hence there was a personal attachment as well. We have recently refurbished what is one of the largest private cinemas in London. It is another feature, like the food and beverage outlets and Sanook Spa, that welcomes those who may not necessarily be staying with us at the Hotel; we host a regular cinema club and the space is frequently in demand as a venue for product launches, screenings etc.

Finally, with the summer launch party for the terrace now done, what’s next for the Courthouse?

We plan on extending our range of events and engagements held in our public spaces across the summer and throughout the colder seasons; the Courthouse Hotel London is a beautiful, central area that provides one of the most comfortable and enjoyable spaces that London has to offer.

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