I once went to the Savoy. I was walking back along Waterloo Bridge, Westminster on one side, St Pauls on the other. We were cold, hungry, it was Xmas, and who knows when friends would see each other again?
So we blew 200 quid at the Savoy. The art deco overhang as you go in, all all polished silver deco metal shapes, is stunning. Inside the deco is replaced by a mishmash of styles -- Greek columns, mirrors, old carpet, palms.
The hotel was built in 1884 to adjoin the Savoy Theatre, home of Gilbert and Sullivan opera. The theatre was the first public building in London to be lit with electricity. The hotel had electric lights and lifts. Ritz was the manager, Escofier the chef, Bernhardt nearly died there, Caruso sang. It was big news. It is less big news now. But you still have to have a tie and jacket to get in.
The theatre, the hotel and the surrounding gardens are on the site of the old Savoy Palace, which was built in the 13th century. It was rebuilt between 1345 and 1370 by Henry Duke of Lancaster. Geoffrey Chaucer was married in its chapel. It was said to be the finest house in Britain.
History repeats, and repeats.