- Inception Group is set to open The Admiral’s Mess, a new 2,400 square foot bar concept, within Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch, the highly anticipated new luxury hotel overlooking The Mall and Buckingham Palace.
- The Admiral’s Mess has been created by Inception Group, the team behind some of London’s best-known hospitality venues and will offer a distinctive experience inspired by the building’s history and heritage.
- Guests will be able to enjoy The Admiral’s Mess alongside restaurants from Clare Smyth MBE and Daniel Boulud within the restored Grade I listed building.
LONDON – Inception Group, the operator of unique and immersive hospitality concepts across London, is set to open The Admiral’s Mess a 2,400 square foot bar concept at the landmark Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch, the highly anticipated new luxury hotel overlooking The Mall. The Admiral’s Mess will have a 60-seat capacity and will sit outside the group’s existing brands, including Mr Fogg’s and Cahoots. It will join restaurant openings from Clare Smyth MBE and Daniel Boulud in the Grade I listed monument, which is being meticulously restored by Reuben Brothers, in partnership with Hilton.
Charlie Gilkes, co-founder, Inception Group, said, “We are honoured to have the opportunity to open within such an iconic London location and are excited to have created a totally unique concept fitting for such a historic site.”
Guillaume Marly, general manager, Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch said, “We are delighted to partner with Inception Group to introduce an exciting new bar concept at Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch, joining Whiskey & Seaweed and our signature cocktail bar. Their expertise in crafting memorable experiences makes them a natural partner, offering guests an opportunity to discover something distinctive and unexpected, yet another compelling reason to visit.”
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FAQ: Inception Group to Open The Admiral’s Mess Within Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch
What is Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch?
Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch will transform one of London’s most historic landmarks into a luxury hotel overlooking The Mall and Buckingham Palace. The property will feature 114 rooms, suites and residences, alongside restaurants from Clare Smyth MBE and Daniel Boulud, destination bars and event spaces within the restored Grade I listed building.
What is The Admiral’s Mess?
The Admiral’s Mess is a new 2,400 square foot bar concept from Inception Group, the team behind some of London’s best-known hospitality venues, including Mr Fogg’s and Cahoots. Opening within Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch, it will offer a distinctive experience inspired by the building’s history and heritage.
Who is behind The Admiral’s Mess?
The Admiral’s Mess has been created by Inception Group, a London-based hospitality operator known for immersive concepts including Mr Fogg’s, Cahoots, Barts and Control Room B. The venue will sit alongside the group’s existing portfolio while introducing an entirely new concept for guests and visitors.
What food and drink experiences will be available at Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch?
Guests will be able to enjoy a range of food and beverage experiences across the hotel, including The Admiral’s Mess, alongside restaurants led by world-renowned chefs Clare Smyth MBE and Daniel Boulud. Together, these venues will help establish the hotel as a major new luxury dining destination in London.
Where is Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch located?
Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch occupies a landmark position at the end of The Mall, directly opposite Buckingham Palace. The hotel’s central location places guests within easy reach of London’s cultural, historic and luxury attractions.
About Inception Group
Mr Fogg’s: The collection of Victorian-inspired bars and pubs themed around Jules Verne’s character Phileas Fogg in Around The World in 80 Days. The 10 venues across London from Liverpool Street to Mayfair, offer immersive experiences, adventurous libations in experiential locations.
Cahoots: The original Cahoots (13 Kingly Ct, Carnaby, London W1B 5PW) launched in 2015 and is modelled on a disused underground tube station in Soho circa 1946. The venue features a Bakerloo Line train carriage and imagines that a group of mischievous opportunists, The Scoundrels, have discovered this old tube station turned air raid shelter and are keeping the Blitz spirit alive with illicit knees ups and swing dancing. The Scoundrels expanded their operation in 2024 by opening Cahoots: Postal Office, inspired by the post-war postal service in Borough.
Bunga 90: Opened in 2025, the Drury Lane venue is a 90s-inspired multi-sensory playground, via an entrance through a video rental store and time machine, offering retro cocktails, draught beers and pizza, alongside immersive elements, arcade games and three karaoke rooms.
Barts: Inception Group’s first venue was the speakeasy Barts on Sloane Avenue. Inspired by Uncle Barts, the prolific 1920s Chicago gangster, the venue allows guests to step back in time to the 1929 Prohibition era.
Control Room B: Opened in 2022 at Battersea Power Station, Control Room B is the all day 1950s inspired bar set within the former control room of the Power Station. Offering coffees and cocktails as well as immersive experiences including an audio guided tour around the original dials and an escape room style, code-breaking experience.
Maggie’s: Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2025, Maggie’s is the 80s inspired nightclub in Chelsea. Featuring murals of icons of the decade and themed drinks, including Jaws and Super Mario themed cocktails. inception-group.com
About Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch
Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch will see the historic monument debut as one of London’s most iconic luxury hotels. Commanding a prestigious position at the end of The Mall opposite Buckingham Palace, the hotel will feature 114 elegantly designed rooms, suites and residences.
Reuben Brothers, in partnership with Hilton, is meticulously restoring the Grade I listed monument while honouring the building’s storied past. Culinary direction will come from Clare Smyth MBE and Daniel Boulud, whose restaurants together hold eight Michelin stars and who will bring their distinctive culinary approaches to Coreus and Café Boulud respectively. A collection of grand and intimate event spaces, including a magnificent ballroom accommodating up to 500 guests, will provide an exceptional setting for landmark occasions.
About Reuben Brothers
Reuben Brothers is a global leader in private equity, international real estate, hospitality, credit financing, sports and media, with world-class investments spanning the United Kingdom, Europe and the Americas. Its holdings include a distinguished collection of luxury hospitality and retail assets, including Cambridge House, Waldorf Astoria London – Admiralty Arch, The Twenty Two London and New York, The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, The Vineta in Palm Beach, Century Plaza in Los Angeles, Hotel La Palma in Capri and Burlington Arcade in Mayfair. The Group’s wider interests include London Oxford Airport, Arena Racing Company, Newcastle United Football Club, and EDGLRD, the Miami based media and entertainment company. Its philanthropic arm, the Reuben Foundation, was established in 2002 and supports initiatives across the arts, healthcare and education around the world. Rooted in entrepreneurship and family values, Reuben Brothers operates with integrity and partners with organisations that share its long-term vision and commitment to excellence. reubenbrothers.com
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