The Story of The Mitre

Sitting on the bank of the River Thames in London is a Grade II listed building widely believed to have been built in 1665 by Charles II to house visitors of Hampton Court Palace – the Mitre’s prestigious next-door neighbour. Home to several British sovereigns – most notably King Henry VIII – Hampton Court palace is among the most distinguished royal palaces in the United Kingdom; it is, therefore, more than likely that The Mitre hosted a number of distinguished and elite guests throughout its rich history. 

First identified in the 1653 Parliamentary Survey of Hampton Court as a tavern, the establishment became known as the meeting point of the Toy Club, formed and presided over by William IV, the Duke of Clarence. Further historic manuscripts show that this particular inn was once made up of several buildings and a garden, seemingly created to serve food and offer lodgings to visitors and associates of the neighbouring palace. With hospitality at the centre of The Mitre’s history, the visionary hospitality brand currently at the helm – The Signet Collection – are striving to keep this heritage alive. With a strong focus on luxurious hospitality and food and drink offerings fit for a King or Queen, their endeavour is for all guests to feel as though they have luxury at their feet as they enjoy the panoramic riverside windows and the glorious Hampton Court Bridge.

Having welcomed guests for over three and a half centuries, this establishment has recently been renovated and re-imagined into a hotel that embodies the building’s rich history, royal connections, and riverside location with an idiosyncratic style and flair. The interiors of The Mitre take inspiration from both the grandeur of neighbouring Hampton Court and the landmark’s royal connections, as well as the joyful nature of Britain’s boating tradition. With a playful use of colour and an eclectic selection of antiques and historic memorabilia, each and every room combines luxury with a touch of eccentricity.