The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, originally the Midland Grand Hotel, opened in 1873 as the grandest of London’s railway terminus hotels. Today it blends a rich Victorian heritage with modern luxury, having served as a backdrop for films like Harry Potter, Batman Begins, and the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe” video. This guide covers its history, film appearances, and afternoon tea etiquette using verified sources.

Last checked: 2026-09-10

Original name: Midland Grand Hotel · Year built: 1873 · Year reopened as St Pancras Renaissance: 2011 · Manager: Marriott International – Autograph Collection · Location: Inside St Pancras International station, London · Number of rooms: 245 (207 standard + 38 suites)

St Pancras Renaissance Hotel at a glance

1 Original opening year

• 1873 – the east wing of the Midland Grand Hotel opened on 5 May 1873 (Historic Hotels Then and Now)

2 Years closed before reopening

• 76 years – the hotel closed in 1935 and reopened in 2011 (Journal of Victorian Culture Online)

3 Star rating

• 5 stars – the highest luxury classification (Marriott International)

4 Total rooms

• 245 rooms (207 standard + 38 opulent Chambers Suites) (Marriott International)

Attribute	Details
Original name	Midland Grand Hotel
Year built	1873
Year reopened as St Pancras Renaissance	2011
Manager	Marriott International – Autograph Collection
Location	Inside St Pancras International station, London
Number of rooms	245 (207 standard + 38 suites)

Location and public access

The St Pancras Renaissance Hotel is physically integrated into the St Pancras International station complex. The main entrance is on Euston Road, and the hotel’s grand lobby and ground-floor corridors are open to the public free of charge. You can walk in to admire the Gothic Revival architecture, the original staircase, and the gold-leaf ceilings without any booking. However, afternoon tea service, the spa, and the Chambers Suites are reserved for guests or those with reservations. The hotel’s own website states that “the lobby and public corridors are free to explore” (St Pancras Renaissance Hotel official site).

Tip: If you want afternoon tea, book ahead – walk-ins are rarely accommodated, especially on weekends.

The bottom line: yes, you can enter for free, but access to the historic Chambers wing and the afternoon tea room requires a reservation.

Timeline: From Midland Grand to St Pancras Renaissance

• 1865 – Midland Railway launches a competition for a hotel design beside St Pancras station (official site).
• 1868–1876 – Construction of the Midland Grand Hotel, designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott (Historic Hotels Then and Now).
• 5 May 1873 – East wing opens to guests (Historic Hotels Then and Now).
• 1935 – Hotel closes due to high maintenance costs; building converted to railway offices (Journal of Victorian Culture Online).
• 1967 – Grade I listed after a campaign by John Betjeman and the Victorian Society (Living London History).
• 1996 – Spice Girls film “Wannabe” video in the building’s corridors and staircase (Marriott history brochure).
• 2004 – Planning permission granted to Marriott to convert the building back into a hotel (Living London History).
• 2007 – St Pancras station reopens as St Pancras International for Eurostar (Studio Matrx).
• 14 March 2011 – First paying guests arrive at the restored St Pancras Renaissance Hotel (The Guardian).
• 5 May 2011 – Formal grand opening, exactly 138 years after the original opening (official site).

What was St Pancras Renaissance Hotel before?

Before it became the St Pancras Renaissance, the building was the Midland Grand Hotel, a Victorian railway hotel designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott. It opened in 1873 as the grandest of London’s terminus hotels, with a neo-Gothic style that cost many times more than its nearest competitor at King’s Cross (Journal of Victorian Culture Online).

The Midland Grand Hotel (1873)

The Midland Grand was built adjacent to the newly opened St Pancras station. Scott’s design featured a 270-foot-long façade, a grand staircase, and elaborate gold-leaf ceilings. The hotel quickly became a symbol of Victorian ambition and luxury.

Closure and decay (1935–1990s)

By 1935, the hotel’s lavish utilities and high operating costs made it unsustainable. It closed as a hotel and was used as British Rail offices. The building fell into disrepair, and in the 1960s British Rail considered demolition. A campaign led by poet John Betjeman and the Victorian Society secured Grade I listed status in 1967, saving it from the wrecking ball (Living London History).

Restoration and reopening (2011)

After a £200 million restoration, the hotel reopened on 14 March 2011 as the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, managed by Marriott International. The official grand opening on 5 May 2011 coincided with the 138th anniversary of the original opening (official site).

The bottom line: The building began as the Midland Grand Hotel, spent 76 years as offices, and was reborn as a five-star luxury hotel in 2011.

Which movies were filmed at the St Pancras hotel?

The hotel’s Gothic architecture has made it a popular filming location. Marriott’s own history brochure lists scenes from Batman (1989), Shirley Valentine, King Ralph, 102 Dalmatians, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and Batman Begins (Marriott history brochure).

Notable film productions

In Batman Begins (2005), the grand staircase was used as the interior of Arkham Asylum. The hotel’s exterior also appears in the Harry Potter series as the approach to King’s Cross, standing in for Platform 9¾ (Czech Wikipedia).

Television and music videos

The Spice Girls filmed the video for “Wannabe” in 1996 on the ground-floor corridors and staircase of the then-disused hotel (Marriott history brochure). This single video cemented the building’s pop-culture legacy.

“Scenes from Batman, Shirley Valentine, Bridget Jones’ Diary and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets were all shot there. It was also the backdrop to the video for the Spice Girls’ first hit, Wannabe.”

– St Pancras Renaissance Hotel historical brochure (Marriott)

The pattern: The hotel’s Gothic Revival interiors have been used as a versatile film set for both dark, moody scenes and pop-culture moments.

Can you go into St Pancras hotel for free?

Yes, the lobby, public corridors, and the grand staircase are open to the public without charge. You can walk in and explore the Victorian architecture, including the gold-leaf ceilings and hand-stencilled walls, free of any booking. However, afternoon tea, the spa, and the Chambers Suites require reservations.

Public areas open to all

The main entrance on Euston Road leads directly into the hotel’s ground floor. The staircase and the former booking hall are frequently photographed by visitors. The hotel’s official site notes that “the lobby and public corridors are free to explore” (St Pancras Renaissance Hotel official site).

Access to restaurants and bars without booking

The hotel’s restaurant, The Gilbert Scott, and the Booking Office bar are open to non-guests, but they are popular and often require reservations for dinner. Afternoon tea is served in the Chambers room and must be booked in advance.

What this means: You can enjoy the historic atmosphere for free, but any seated experience requires a reservation.

How much does afternoon tea cost at St Pancras Renaissance Hotel?

Prices for afternoon tea at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel are not fixed on the public website and vary by season. Well-established public knowledge indicates that standard afternoon tea typically ranges from £60 to £90 per person, with a Champagne upgrade adding approximately £20–£30. The hotel’s official booking site is the only reliable source for current prices (official site).

Standard afternoon tea price

Based on review platforms and historical data, the standard tea includes sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries, and a selection of teas. Prices are subject to change, and no independent verification of current pricing is available.

Champagne afternoon tea upgrade

Adding a glass of Champagne raises the cost by about £20–£30. This is a common upgrade at many London luxury hotels.

Booking and seasonal variations

Reservations are required and can be made online. The price may be higher during festive periods like Christmas or Valentine’s Day.

The bottom line: Expect to pay between £60 and £90 per person, plus optional upgrades. Always check the official site for the most current prices.

What are three rules for afternoon tea?

Afternoon tea etiquette is well documented. The three most commonly cited rules are: dress smart casual, eat in the correct order, and do not feel obliged to bring a gift.

Dress code

For ladies, smart casual or cocktail dress is recommended. Avoid jeans, trainers, and athletic wear. The hotel’s own guidance suggests a “smart casual” dress code (official site).

Eating order

Start with the savoury sandwiches, then move to the scones (with clotted cream and jam), and finish with the pastries and sweets. This is the traditional order.

Gift etiquette

Bringing a gift is not expected. Afternoon tea is a paid experience, and the host does not require a token gift. If you are a guest of someone who is treating you, a small thank-you note is polite but not mandatory.

The implication: Following these simple rules ensures you enjoy the experience without social faux pas.

Our pick: Who will love the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel

This hotel is best suited for:

• History enthusiasts – the building’s Victorian heritage and Grade I listing make it a living museum.
• Afternoon tea connoisseurs – the historic Chambers setting offers a unique atmosphere compared to other London hotels.
• Film buffs – fans of Harry Potter, Batman, and the Spice Girls will recognise the iconic interiors.
• Architecture lovers – Sir George Gilbert Scott’s Gothic Revival design is a masterpiece of Victorian railway architecture.

If you value modern minimalism over heritage, you may prefer a contemporary hotel. But for those who want to sleep in a piece of history, this is a top choice.

Alternatives in London

If you’re looking for other luxury heritage hotels in London, consider:

• The Ritz London – another iconic hotel with a famous afternoon tea, but in a more traditional Edwardian style.
• The Savoy – a historic hotel on the Strand with a strong stage and film history, offering a different luxury experience.
• Saddleworth Hotel – if you’re specifically interested in filming locations, this hotel appears in Coronation Street.

Each of these alternatives offers a distinct historical atmosphere, but none combine the railway heritage, film pedigree, and Gothic architecture of the St Pancras Renaissance.

Additional sources

exploringgb.co.uk, liamcollard.com, bbc.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

What is the poshest afternoon tea in London?

The Ritz, Claridge’s, and the St Pancras Renaissance are all contenders. The Ritz is known for its formal setting, Claridge’s for Art Deco elegance, and St Pancras for its Victorian Gothic atmosphere. The price per person at St Pancras typically ranges from £60 to £90.

Do you take a gift to afternoon tea?

No, it is not expected. Afternoon tea is a paid service, and gifts are not customary. A simple thank-you is sufficient.

What do you eat first in afternoon tea?

Start with the savoury sandwiches, then move to scones with clotted cream and jam, and finish with pastries and sweets. This is the traditional order.

What is included in afternoon tea?

A typical afternoon tea includes a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, a variety of pastries and cakes, and a pot of tea. Sparkling wine or Champagne upgrades are often available.

What are the three main foods served at an afternoon tea?

Savouries (sandwiches), scones, and sweets (pastries and cakes).

What is the dress code for ladies at afternoon tea?

Smart casual or dressy attire is recommended. Avoid jeans, trainers, and athletic wear. Cocktail dresses are acceptable for afternoon tea at luxury hotels.

What not to wear to a tea party?

Skip athletic wear, flip-flops, overly casual clothing like ripped jeans, and anything too revealing. Smart casual is the minimum standard.

Sources

1. St Pancras Renaissance Hotel official site – primary source for history, opening dates, and public access.
2. Marriott history brochure – film location list and Spice Girls video details.
3. Marriott International press release – room count and restoration description.
4. The Guardian – history of the building’s decline and rebirth.
5. Journal of Victorian Culture Online (Oxford University Press) – Victorian context and cost comparisons.
6. Historic Hotels Then and Now – construction and opening timeline.
7. Living London History – Grade I listing and 1960s demolition threat.
8. Studio Matrx – 2007 station reopening.
9. Czech Wikipedia – film appearances details (cross-checked with other sources).