Learn from the Best: Bringing Back the Music, The Transformation of The Savoy

🎵 Discover the Remarkable Transformation of London’s Iconic Savoy Hotel!
Join Franck Arnold, Managing Director of London’s legendary Savoy Hotel, as he shares insights into revitalizing a historic landmark’s legacy.

🏨 From Renovation to Reimagination

Explore how the Thames Foyer has been reimagined to honor its heritage while embracing modern luxury.

🎧 Watch the Full Interview
Hear Franck Arnold’s vision for hospitality excellence on the OverHereOverThere Podcast:
👉 https://youtu.be/m8iEjsYnaDc

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Chapters

• 0:00 Intro - Motion Graphic OHOT Logo
• 0:03 Bringing the Energy Back In
• 0:59 Women Smoking in Public for the First Time
• 1:28 The Savoy Orpheans
• 2:01 BBC First Trans Atlantic Transmission
• 2:31 Outro - Motion Graphic OHOT Logo

Transcript

Intro -  Motion Graphic (0.00)

Dan Harris (00:03.342)
I'm intrigued by the way you said the energy, bringing the energy back in, which sounds, I wonder if also it's, hearing the energy from the bands you mentioned, know, the rock and roll and just, I mean, would there be dancing and music in the center of the Savoy at times? 

Franck Arnold

There will be. 

Dan Harris

And would it be harking back... 

Franck Arnold

There will be, but it won't be a dinner dance at this stage. 

Dan Harris

Right. 

Franck Arnold

At this stage, but there will be entertainment in one form or another because historically this was the place where the first dinner dance took place. This is the place where the ladies coming as guests were seen together. That was the first time in society where women could be seen together without being accompanied by men and seen smoking in public. This is the first place where it took place. So we're talking about the 1920s or 30s, is that right? Yes, even before, before when because first The Savoy opened and that's the river entrance. And then 15 years later, the second part of the Savoy opened, which is now the current entrance next to a theater. 

But the historical place is the River Restaurant and the River Restaurant with what's now the Thames Foyer and the Beaufort Bar were opened. And in the 1920s, this is where when we had a band called the Savoy Orpheans playing. This was a big band employed and in residence at the Savoy who used to play. (01:53.614) for the guests who will be coming to be entertained. And these Savoy Orpheans are the ones who played for the first radio transmission organized by the BBC with the United States. It took place here at the Savoy in 1923 or 25. But it was organized by the BBC. And it was a Savoy of Things playing for the first real transmission transatlantic.