Edwardian Hotels appoints Charles Oak to lead ‘super boutique’
Edwardian Hotels London has announced the appointment of Charles Oak at The Londoner on Leicester Square, due to open in 2020.
With a hospitality career spanning three decades, Oak has held several senior management positions in numerous hotels within the group’s portfolio including its five-star flagship The May Fair Hotel.
Edwardian Hotels describe Oak as an “highly established professional” within the industry, who has an “exemplary background” in luxury hotel management and fine dining, which includes positions at The Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, The Savoy Hotel in London, and more recently the country haven of Heckfield Place in Hampshire.
He also brings significant experience of curating high-quality hospitality experiences, establishing new and exclusive restaurants, bars and private members clubs such as The Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle. Educated at the University of Westminster, he has also completed the Advanced Management and Leadership Programme from The University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School. In recognition of his wide-ranging expertise and career success, he has recently been made an FIH Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality.
Described as a “super boutique” spanning nine storeys above ground, with six levels below, the hotel will boast 350 luxury bedrooms, including a range of suites and three panoramic tower penthouses. Guests will be able to choose to dine from six concept eateries, including a signature rooftop bar serving cocktails and Japanese-inspired small plates.
In the subterranean levels there will be a variety of bespoke event and meeting spaces, including a state-of-the-art ballroom accommodating up to 864 guests, as well as spa and wellness centre, swimming pool and two Odeon cinemas available for private hire.
Charles Oak, The Londoner, said: “The Londoner is an exciting, ambitious development in the heart of the capital. Completely unlike any other hotel in the city and in a category of one, it is set to transform the hospitality scene. It will embrace the drama and heritage of the West End and I feel privileged to be creating a world class landmark for our guests and employees.”
Jasminder Singh OBE, chairman of Edwardian Hotels London added: “Charles is passionate and determined. He is the perfect leader for The Londoner and will be leading and developing a team of up to 600 talented people as we prepare to open this incredible development.”
