History
This historic building, designed by James Miller is Grade II listed and a fine example of an Edwardian building with a rich neo-Palladian exterior and Baroque interior. The front and side elevation as well as entrance hall and area under the main dome are of Whitbed Portland Stone. It is a steel framed structure, the second to be erected in London after the Ritz hotel in 1905.
Many notable and historic special events take place in the Great Hall these include: the signing of the charter establishing UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1945 and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh sat in the room to take his Royal Navy examinations. Feature films including, Bridget Jones: Edge of Reason in 2004 and Starter for 10 in 2006 filmed scenes within the four walls. More recently the Great Hall has been used as a communications room for international journalists when the venue housed the London Media Centre for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. By way of providing a unique backdrop during recent London fashion weeks the following fashion houses showcased their seasonal collections here; L'Wren Scott 2013, Alice Temperly 2012, and Antonio Berardi 2010.