We are delighted that The Savoy Hotel, after some extensive refurbishment, has rejoined The PA Club. The Savoy truly is a London landmark with a special place in British history. Opened in 1889, it was the first British hotel to make use of electric lights and electric lifts. The Savoy has since played host to royalty, world leaders and legends of the stage and screen – Edward VII, Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, Laurence Olivier, Marilyn Monroe and Noël Coward to name but a few.
For almost 90 years The Savoy has offered dining parties of 13 the company of Kaspar the Cat. Now Kaspar’s Seafood Bar & Grill – The Savoy’s glamorous re-imagining of the River Restaurant – is a place for the Prince of Cats to play host.
Kaspar’s story begins in 1898, when South African diamond magnate Woolf Joel hosted a dinner at The Savoy for fourteen guests. At the last minute one of them cancelled. Joel decided the dinner should go ahead, but a more superstitious guest declared death would befall the first person to leave the table. Woolf Joel defiantly took the gamble himself. Weeks later he was shot dead in Johannesburg.
Anxious to avoid a repeat , The Savoy decided to provide an extra guest for every table of thirteen. Initially the hotel had a member of staff sit with the diners, but this proved unpopular as guests felt unable to discuss private matters freely. And so Kaspar the Cat was created – sculpted into life by architect Basil Ionides in 1926.
Kaspar is delighted, to this day, to join tables of thirteen – napkin round his neck, a full place-setting before him, ready to enjoy every course he is served.
Building on the rich history of restaurants at The Savoy, Kaspar’s Seafood Bar and Grill offers an informal yet luxury all-day dining experience in an elegant 1920’s style setting. Kaspar’s theatrical design is inspired by the decadence of the Twenties and Thirties, a time when the hotel bustled with dinner, dancing and glamorous guests. Kaspar’s offers guests an indulgent array of fresh and smoked fish, caviar and fresh seafood: delicious slivers of smoked salmon or fresh rock oysters followed by Dover sole, lobster or sea bream; spatchcock, lamb cutlets or beef. Conclude with clever twists on classic desserts or the finest artisan cheeses. With a lively atmosphere in an elegant setting, Kaspar’s is the perfect spot for breakfast, relaxed lunches, early evening drinks and leisurely evening meals.
Our contact at The Savoy, Stevie-Leigh Wright will be delighted to hear from you, and to discuss rooms, restaurant bookings or private dining.
Ms. Stevie-Leigh Wright
Food & Beverage Sales Executive
Direct: +44 (0)20 7420 2693 or 020 7836 4343
