The hip hotel features a rooftop restaurant, remarkable rooms and rich history.
Brutalist buildings in London have long divided opinion. The Barbican, Brunswick Centre and Southbank Centre have all sparked debate over whether they rank among the capital’s ugliest buildings. Now, The Imperial, the four-star hotel in Bloomsbury, has been refurbished into a thing of Brutalist beauty. After reopening in August 2026, FACT checked in and found a celebration of history with a modern twist.
Hotelier Henry Walduck has a long-standing connection with Bloomsbury and is behind a range of hotels that have welcomed everyone from politicians to pop stars – The Beatles, anyone? Dating back to 1905, The Imperial opened with grand features, from Turkish baths to a ballroom. In the 1960s, the original building was replaced by a Modernist structure. Now, it has entered its next chapter, with a renovation that bridges the gap between its storied past and future.
The Imperial is within walking distance of the British Museum and Oxford Street, and once housed the Bloomsbury Set, including E.M. Forster, T.S. Eliot and Virginia Woolf. Having lived and studied in the area as a student at UCL, it was exciting to discover this historic hidden gem. Located in Russell Square, the entrance is tucked away in a charming courtyard – when you find it, you’re rewarded with a stylish spot, a vintage car and a larger-than-life clock accompanied by the building’s original bells.
When you enter The Imperial, it’s feels more like a cocktail bar than concierge desk. Champagne glasses rather than computers line the reception desk, and the smiling staff are ready to pour. Colour and character fill the space, from bright yellows to deep greens, while Adam Ellis Studio Art House has contributed more than 500 original prints. The lobby opens onto Edit Bar and Lounge, creating a space designed for pausing rather than passing through.
Rooms and suites
The Imperial has welcomed an eclectic cast of guests over the years, from actress Ingrid Bergman to contestants in The Perfect Man competition. In 1908, Juana Camus, who appeared in a painting by Edgar Degas, checked into room 355 and remained there for 43 years, living through both the First and Second World Wars. Today, The Imperial is home to 357 rooms and suites, ranging from the Horizon, with its bathtub positioned beside the window, to the Bloomsbury Beacon, which can sleep up to six guests, with others featuring outdoor bathtubs and terraces. We were upgraded to The Nest, and the name couldn’t be more fitting, as it’s exactly the sort of room you’d want to make like Camus and nest in.
When I entered, I kept taking photos of the furniture and finishes for design inspiration. The wow factor came with the soaring ceilings and spiral staircase, which led to a cinema room packed with personality. Features included a blockbuster-sized 86-inch screen, sink-into sofas, a book on Christopher Nolan’s films, and popcorn alongside popcorn boxes, naturally. And, if you want to watch TV from bed, it’s hidden away in a cabinet that opens at the touch of a button.
Do not worry about space: the bathtub and shower were big enough for two, and there was a king-sized bed. The floor-to-ceiling windows, framed by blackout curtains, added drama. It was the little touches that elevated the experience: the retro GPO Audrey phone, Dyson hairdryer, steamer and Marshall speaker.
Food and drink
The Imperial is home to the Italian restaurant Bancone and Edit Bar and Lounge. At its heart is the all-day dining restaurant and bar, Arcus. Spanning 327 square metres, it boasts near 360-degree views across London, from an angle that you rarely see. Look out towards the BT Tower, London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard. Guests can choose from cosy corners to sectioned-off spaces for private parties.
Head Chef Abismael Urena Castillo leads the kitchen, while Breakfast Manager Antonella Fiasca brings her experience from Dubai to London. For breakfast, it’s a sensational spot, with cold cuts and cheeses, fresh juices and fruit, and the hot-from-the-oven croissants that make you swoon. The Full English hit the spot, with eggs done your way and all the trimmings. At lunch and dinner, the menu spans hot and cold plates. We loved the Honey Roasted Baby Carrots, which felt as though they had been foraged, and perfectly presented Sea Bass Ceviche, which was decorated with strawberries.
Facilities
The Bell Room is The Imperial’s exclusive lounge, with both indoor and outdoor seating. On our visit, it was a serene spot – we were the only guests, enjoying the complimentary snacks (the cookies were melt-in-your-mouth marvels) and games (Connect Four kept us entertained). There were also design-led boards for bridge, chess and Monopoly. The gym is brand-spanking new, with state-of-the-art equipment and that oh-so-new smell. While there is no spa, guests can make the most of complimentary Chopper bike hire, which offers a cool way to explore Bloomsbury and beyond.
The verdict
London is home to some of the world’s greatest hotels, and it’s often the usual suspects that steal the spotlight. What The Imperial does is breathe life into a history that might otherwise have been forgotten, while making you feel more like a local than a tourist. It’s the unexpected details and stories woven throughout the hotel that make this a destination in its own right. The sense of place is well and truly celebrated, from its Bloomsbury heritage to Brutalist architecture. And that can only be a beautiful thing.
Where: The Imperial, 61-66 Russell Square, Bloomsbury, London, WC1B 5BB
Contact: www.imperialhotels.co.uk