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OUR STORY

OUR STORY

CREATED IN 1869, REBORN IN 2021

Acclaimed Parisian architect and designer Hugo Toro oversaw the meticulous redesign of Booking Office 1869, working alongside owner and renowned hotelier Harry Handelsman (Chiltern Firehouse, The Stratford) to create a space that blends historical and contemporary influences. Booking Office 1869 marks Toro’s first UK commission following his celebrated work on French venues such as La Scène, Perruche, and GiGi de Ramatuelle.

Collaborating closely with Handelsman, Toro drew inspiration from the bold patterns and colours of the St. Pancras Hotel’s iconic Grand Staircase. These elements informed the creation of a Victorian-style Winter Garden, which acts as a gateway to Europe through the strategic use of eccentric fabrics and distinctive features.

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HUGO TORO

Franco-Mexican architect Hugo Toro trained in Vienna, the United States, and at the Penninghen school in Paris, where he graduated in 2012. Inspired by discoveries made during his global travels, he settled in France to practice as an architect and interior designer. Since then, he has developed a portfolio of acclaimed projects, including the Michelin-starred La Scène and restaurants such as Perruche and Blanche. His work also extends to private apartments, villas, and boutiques across France, as well as international hotels. Following the 2021 opening of Gigi de Ramatuelle, Hugo also oversaw the design of Gigi Paris on Avenue Montaigne.

  • 1869

    St. Pancras Station was completed in 1869 and remains one of the wonders of Victorian engineering. Along with the former Midland Grand Hotel, the station is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture and stands as one of the most elegant rail hubs in the world. Booking Office 1869 occupies the station's original ticket office.

  • 1873

    George Gilbert Scott designed the Midland Grand Hotel, which opened in 1873 and operated until its closure in 1935. The hotel eventually closed because of high maintenance costs.

  • 2011

    The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel opened to guests on 14 March 2011. The formal grand opening took place on 5 May, exactly 138 years after the building’s original debut in 1873.

  • 2021

    Hugo Toro, the celebrated French designer, reimagined the station’s original 19th-century ticket hall to create a Victorian-style Winter Garden. The design showcases a visual dialogue with the extraordinary heritage of the space.

"A unique setting and special place for important occasions. Good menu, healthy choices, well presented and tasty! Great service"

OpenTable, October 2024

"Excellent venue well situated. We enjoyed the 3 course lunch menu which included a glass of fizzy. The smoked chocolate dessert was outstanding. The staff we attentive, very professional and could not be faulted. All in all an absolute pleasure"

Tripadvisor, AUG 2024

"Kings cross little hidden treasure. A touch of class. Good quality food and the scenery is amazing. 
It's a 10/10 for me. To the chef your work speaks for itself A1. It's my fourth visit and definitely not my last."

Tripadvisor, AUG 2024

“Had the best breakfast in the most beautiful dining room in the city! The Service was impeccable, also the staff were very welcoming, especially Julio and Joy who were very friendly and elevated the whole experience. I will definitely recommend”

Tripadvisor, AUG 2024

"Love the Booking Office. The food is delicious
Beetroot appetizer-yum. The sea bass was cooked perfectly"

OpenTable, JUN 2024