Minor Hotels has signed a management agreement for Dukes London, bringing its Minor Reserve Collection brand to the UK for the first time. The historic St James’s hotel is scheduled to reopen in the second quarter of 2027 following an extensive renovation led by Russell Sage Studio.
The 85-room property at 35 St James’s Place will relaunch as Dukes London, Minor Reserve Collection, with redesigned accommodation, a new restaurant and additional spaces for dining and private events.
Dukes Bar has remained open throughout the works, continuing its tableside frozen martini service.
Redesigned Suites and a New Restaurant
Opened in 1908, Dukes is undergoing a multi-year transformation that will introduce rooms and suites drawing on the history and personalities of St James’s. The accommodation will include 13 executive suites and five signature suites.
A new restaurant will open in partnership with The Wolseley Hospitality Group, which is owned by Minor Hotels. Further details of the restaurant concept have yet to be announced.
The Delany Drawing Room is already operating as a lounge and bar, with a selection of 160 whiskies alongside Champagnes and cocktails. It includes a conservatory and secluded garden.
When the hotel reopens, the drawing room will also serve afternoon tea and host private events, drinks receptions and small gatherings.
Dukes Bar Retains Its Place
While much of the hotel is being redesigned, Dukes Bar remains central to the property’s identity. Known for its martini ritual, the bar has welcomed royalty, politicians and cultural figures over the decades. It is also associated with the story that it helped inspire Ian Fleming’s vision of James Bond’s martini.
“Bringing Minor Reserve Collection to the UK through Dukes London is a defining moment for the brand,” said William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International, the parent company of Minor Hotels.
“Few hotels capture the character and heritage of London quite like Dukes. Together with our trusted partner Seven Tides, we look forward to the hotel’s next chapter, preserving Dukes London’s unique identity while expanding its reach through Minor Hotels’ global luxury platform.”
First European Project with Seven Tides
The agreement extends Minor Hotels’ existing relationship with Seven Tides. The companies already work together on hospitality properties in the UAE, with Dukes marking their first joint hotel project in Europe.
“The outstanding contribution of the Dukes London team has been instrumental in preserving the character and service excellence that define this iconic property,” said Ghanim Bin Sulayem, Group CEO and Managing Director of Seven Tides.
The hotel’s St James’s location places guests close to Green Park, Buckingham Palace and London’s shopping and theatre districts. Green Park Underground station is around a five-minute walk away.
Launched in 2025, Minor Reserve Collection brings independent luxury hotels into Minor Hotels’ sales, marketing and distribution network while retaining their individual identities.
Its announced portfolio also includes Hotel Palace Portorož in Slovenia, scheduled to relaunch in the first quarter of 2027, and Aventora Resort Baía Formosa in Brazil, due to open in 2028.
