Renovations at the Empress

I was in the Bengal Lounge at the Empress Hotel today for a final lamb curry. The Bengal Lounge closes for good at the end of this month. Staff seem to think the space will be turned over to retail.

Major renovations at the Empress started last fall. All the ivy has gone from the façade, a good structural move but leading to a less traditional appearance.

The tea lounge has been gutted and a new oval bar placed into its centre. Reconstruction is underway and the new lounge should be open by the start of the season, albeit smaller by a few tables. Unlike its last incarnation, the space will be used as a bar/lounge in the evening.

The renovations are being done sympathetically and much of the old character will remain.